Velma Rose Franken

Velma Rose Franken, 98 of Tipton, passed away Friday, August 16, 2024, at Tipton Oak Manor. 

She was born on May 19, 1926, in Cooper County near Bunceton, MO, a daughter of George and Adelia (Dueber) Bestgen. On October 22, 1946, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tipton, she married Fred Leo Franken. He preceded her in death on October 12, 2005. 

Velma was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She was a social butterfly and enjoyed the times she spent with her friends. Velma also enjoyed spending time in prayer, canning vegetables, and being with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for having a great sense of humor and always being able to tell a good joke. 

Survivors include five children, Pam Schmidt of Tipton, Jackie Steenbergen (Glen), of Russellville, Fred Franken (Carol) of Springfield, Gail Cartee (Dan) of Russellville, and Elaine Higgins (Dennis) of Clarksburg; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to both of her parents and her husband she was preceded in death by one son, Guy Franken; one son-in-law, Don Schmidt; four siblings, Leo Bestgen, Dorothy Klein, Andy Bestgen, and George Bestgen, Jr. 

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place Friday, August 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in Tipton, MO Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Andrew Catholic School Gym in Tipton, with Father Anthony Viviano, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Tipton. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Kris Schmidt, Brendon Steenbergen, Collin Steenbergen, Fredrick Franken, Danny Cartee, Guy Cartee, Blake Higgins, Devin Higgins, Denny Higgins, and Trevor Higgins. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Andrew Catholic Church or St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery.