Franklin "Frank" Owens, Jr.

Frank Owens Jr. died Thursday October 7, 2021 from metastatic cancer after a courageous and uncomplaining battle. Frank was born January 26th, 1948 in Moberly, MO the third child to Minnie Pearl Owens and William Franklin Owens Sr.

Frank graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1966. Frank then continued his education at Amherst College in Massachusetts. He then returned to Des Moines and later received his Master’s degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State.

Frank left his home in Altoona and moved into his parent’s home in Des Moines to lovingly care for his mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. He remained in Des Moines for the remainder of his years.

Frank worked through Iowa State University as a community planner. He also worked at Bike World full and part time for 30 years. His passion for cycling led him to coach and mentor inner city youth through the Dream Team and complete several ‘Ragbrai’ bicycle rides across Iowa.

Owning and managing multiple real estate properties led to Frank being a member and past president of the Neighborhood Revitalization Board which advised the City Council and Board of Supervisors on housing improvements and neighborhood revitalization projects.

Frank's hobbies included bicycling, hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. He did all things with passion and a voracious appetite to learn everything there was to know about the activity.

Through his marriage to Teresa Moklestad-Burke aka ‘Torese’, Frank became a father to Brandon Burke. Brandon quickly became Frank’s pride and joy. He proudly and lovingly called him son.

Frank was known and respected for his kindness and quiet dignity. Frank's legacy is evident in the lives and hearts he touched through mentoring and serving others. Frank leaves behind loving family, countless friends, acquaintances, and two beautiful dogs, Harry and Mister.

Frank is predeceased by his mother and father, his brother Fred, his brother William and his sister Gloria.

His spiritual faith was his source of strength throughout his cancer journey. He was a member of Cornerstone Family Church of Des Moines, Iowa and actively attended services until the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Frank is now in heaven rejoicing with Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Above and Beyond Cancer, in appreciation for the exceptional care Frank received from Dr. Deming and his team or to the Dream Team.
Donations made to Above and Beyond Cancer can be sent to:
1915 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Donations made to Dream Team Des Moines can be sent to:
2643 Beaver Ave #350, Des Moines, Iowa 50310

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