Francis W. Harpole

Francis Wildin Harpole was born on April 6, 1924, at the Winterset Hospital in Winterset, Iowa; he was the 3rd child and 2nd son of James Alfred and Irma Florence (Wildin) Harpole. Francis attended school in the Patterson School District and graduated with his class of eight, May 21st, 1942. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, starting Boot Camp at Farragut Naval Training Station in Idaho, in March of 1944, and then served on the Fletcher Class Destroyer Escort USS Bell DD-587 until 1946. In July of 1946, Francis was united in marriage to Helen Foust in Nevada, Iowa and they were blessed with 3 children, Linda Diane, Karen Kaye and James Leo; they later divorced, he was united in marriage to Maxine (Foust) Snodgrass July, 24, 1976 and they continued to live in rural Winterset, Iowa. Francis farmed from 1946 until 1982, and then worked in maintenance at the Des Moines Riverhills Apartments complex until his retirement. Francis enjoyed sports and was a very dedicated fan of the St Louis Cardinals since the age of 10 and as a young boy would go to the neighbors to listen to the ballgames on their radio. Francis and Maxine enjoyed camping, attending Blue Grass music gatherings where they made many friends. He always enjoyed a good game of cards and always loved time with the family. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Linda (Dennis) Kraft of Patterson, IA, Jim (Karen) Harpole of Newhall, IA and son-in-law, Mike Kirk of Ankeny, IA, and Maxine’s daughter, Doris (Gil) Palmer of Des Moines, IA. Grandchildren: Bob (Terri) Kraft, Brad (Karen) Kraft, Andrea (Brian) Howard, Kellee (Ralph Torres) Hernandez, Ragan Victor, Kinzee (Matt) Maschek, Dr. Bethany (DP) Fahrenthold, Laura (Pastor Rodney) King; Maxine’s grandchildren, Mark (Brenda) Stephens, Michelle (Christine) Stephens, Darrin (Samantha) Palmer. 15 great grandchildren: Tim, Jordan, Kayla, Caleb, Jose, Isiah, Lilly, Eli, Ella, Dani, Irene, Paul, Magdalena, Benjamin, Daniel; and Maxine’s 7 great-grandchildren, Josh, Tanner, Ryan, Dean, Grayson, Asher, Camden. 7 great-great grandchildren: Callie, Sadie, Katie, Oliver, Ivy, Anastasia, Camila; and Maxine’s 2 great-great grandchildren: Roman, and Leila. Siblings: Maxine Hull of Sigourney, IA, Jo Ann Allen of Winterset, Iowa, Marshall (Georgie) Harpole of Winterset, IA, Merritt Harpole of Mabank, TX, Marilyn Osborn of Urbandale, IA, Steve (Joan Strange) Harpole of Cheyenne, WY, and Brian (Kathy) Harpole of Longmont, CO; sister-in-law, Ruth Harpole of Minneapolis, MN; and many nieces and nephews. In death, Francis rejoins his parents, James and Irma; wife, Maxine; daughter, Karen Kaye Kirk; siblings, Murray and Doris Lahner; brothers-in-law, Les Lahner, Spencer Hull, Charlie Allen, and Gary Osborn; and sister-in-law, Teddy Harpole. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home Winterset Chapel. Family will greet friends two hours prior, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will be held in the Montpelier Cemetery, Madison County. Memorials may be directed to the Winterset American Legion and the Winterset VFW.