Franklin Edward Kingery

Franklin Edward Kingery, 83, of Monroe, Iowa, passed away on May 14th, 2024, from metastatic cancer. He died peacefully surrounded by family. His funeral will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Monroe, Iowa on Wednesday, May 22nd, at 11am. Following the funeral, a visitation and time of food and fellowship will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the Presbyterian church and all are welcome to attend.

Frank was born on February 18th, 1941, to Marian C. (Currier) Kingery and Earnest (Daye) Kingery in Marion County. After graduating from Knoxville High School in 1959, he married and had two children: Terri Lynn Kingery and David Dale Kingery. In his early career he assisted with the construction of several large projects, including the Red Rock Dam, bridges over the Des Moines River, and office buildings in downtown Des Moines. He also worked briefly as a policeman in Monroe and apprenticed in woodworking and carpentry with his uncle, Jack Currier.

In the 70s he started his own business, the Frank E. Kingery Construction Company. He continued in that profession throughout his career, building and remodeling countless homes in Central Iowa, and later serving as a housing inspector. He was also an engaged community member. Frank was one of the founding members of the Monroe chapter of the Masons, helped start the Monroe JCs, and helped secure grants to start the Monroe Golf Club. Frank won first place in a state cribbage tournament in 1978, with his son, David, winning second place, and together they won first place in doubles cribbage.

On April 21st, 1985, Frank married his best friend and love of his life, Vicky L. Lewis. They spent more than 41 years together, enjoying their grandkids and seeing the world. Some of their favorite adventures took them to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska, and Mexico. They also built a rental property business together, fostered children in their home, and enjoyed summers camping and fishing throughout Iowa.

Frank believed a person needed to do something productive every day or it was a day wasted. He was a hard worker, an avid hunter and fisherman, and an advocate of education for all the young people in his life. He was also a dedicated mentor to his grandchildren and many others.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Kingery of Monroe; children: Terri Kingery of Florence, Arizona and David Kingery of Pella; stepchildren: Chris Dickerson (Leslie Schilling) of Reasnor, and Corrine (Richard V.) Brown of Laurel; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Donna Karr, Ronald Kingery, and Dennis Kingery. He was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Pam Kingery, a granddaughter-in-law, Sybil Cogley, and a nephew, Randy Kingery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Jasper County Cops and Bobbers, or the Monroe Public Library. If you are unable to attend and wish to send a card, please address it to: “Attn: Frank Kingery, Coburn Funeral Home, 24, W Howard St, Colfax, Iowa 50054. Online condolences may be left for Frank’s family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.