Francis D. Zeliadt
September 10, 2016
Francis Darrell Zeliadt, of Des Moines, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at The Village Care Center in Indianola. Francis was born on January 19, 1924 in Warren County, IA. to Ivan and Vivian Zeliadt. He was the fifth of six siblings.
Francis met his wife, Mildred Macy, when they both attended the First Friends Church in Des Moines. They were married on October 29, 1944 and resided on the family farm for two years. They then moved to Des Moines where they lived until 2015.
After high school, Francis farmed with his dad and they operated a Surge Milking Machine dealership. Francis’ other employment included Solar Aircraft and C.E. Erickson. He retired after 25 years as an Appliance Serviceman with Sears Roebuck. After his retirement, Francis worked part-time for Merle Hay Funeral Home and he continued to be self-employed past his 90th birthday in appliance service and as a handyman.
Francis’ hobbies included his classic 1959 Edsel which he took to car shows and parades, where he won many awards. He also loved to help people and he was named “Neighbor of the Week” by the Des Moines Register in 1991 for always helping anyone who needed assistance with any projects.
Those left to remember Francis are his loving wife, Mildred; daughters, Marilyn Bender, Carol (Dave) Geil, Julie Zeliadt and Lorie (Pat) Foley; son, Darrell (Cathie) Zeliadt; sister, Iris Starkey of Riverside, CA.; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl, Harold, Lawrence and Raymond; son in-law, James Bender; one great-granddaughter and a great-great grandson.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Ft. Des Moines United Methodist Church, 6205 SW 9th Street. He will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to Holt International Adoption Agency.
On-line condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Charlotte Walker
09/15/2016
Dear Mildred and family, I was saddened to hear of Fran's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have such fond memories of all of you, you were part of my growing up experience. Just wanted to tell you how important you all were. I am so glad Ken sent notification to me. Blessings to all of you. Sincerely Charlotte Boyle Walker
Jim Noland
09/14/2016
Fran and his family meant so much to me and my folks. You are all in my prayers these sad days.
stephen stumpenhorst
09/14/2016
Mildred and Family:
I am so saddened to hear of Fran's passing. He certainly followed Jesus command of helping others as his life seemed devoted to always assisting anyone in need. We were truly blessed being able to grow up as kids next door to you both and for all Fran did for my own mother.
You and Carol, Darrel and Marilyn will be in my thought and prayers.
Guy/Carleen Freeman
09/13/2016
Sorry to read of your loss our thoughts are with all of Francis's family during this time of difficulty. I worked with Francis at Sears many years ago and remember what a nice person he always was to me. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Chad Carder
09/13/2016
I'm am so sorry to learn of "Grandpa's" passing. He and your entire family were a true blessings to me growing up. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jean (Long) Akers
09/13/2016
I am so sorry to read of Fran's passing. He was always so helpful to me, my brother and of course, my parents, especially with mom after my dad passed away. I know if she could, my mom would be there with you all. Mildred, you were such good friends with mom and you and Fran seemed to just always be in our lives. God must have really needed his skills up in Heaven.
Melinda Dick Cook
09/13/2016
While at the Cedar Falls Panera, we read the D. M. Register and discovered Fran's obit. We are sad to learn of his passing. He and Mildred were good friends to my parents (Avis and Orlando) and to Marv & I. We remember with a smile his helpfulness.