Frank Frederick Paaske

Frank Frederick Paaske passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at home. He was born February 22, 1934, at home on the farm, to Alvin and Eleanor (Musal) Paaske. Frank attended five different grade schools in rural Scott County and graduated from LeClaire High School in 1952. Frank was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1953, where he served two years in Germany, spending much of his time in the US Army Military Police. Upon his return from the service in November of 1955, he started working at Neal Rohlfs. He purchased the garden center from Neal Rohlfs and renamed it The Green Thumbers, where he owned and managed it for over 40 years. Frank purchased Walton Nursery, a 50 acre garden center, nursery and growing farm expanding The Green Thumbers to Muscatine Iowa.

Frank married the love of his life, Catherine Lemburg on September 8, 1956 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. They were happily married for 69 years. Frank and Cathy spent many winters in Scottsdale, Arizona, making many memories and friends. Frank was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, enjoying many games with Cathy in Chicago and Arizona.

Frank was a collector of baseball and automotive memorabilia, as well as classic cars. One of Frank’s fondest memories was raising and showing Brown Swiss cattle with his brothers. Frank belonged to many organizations including the Iowa Nurserymen’s Association, Society of American Florists, Corvette Club and several others. For years he was a member of The Davenport Club and Crow Valley Golf Club.

Frank is survived by his loving wife Cathy, nieces Judy (Mark) Miller, Joni Paaske, Sheri (Jonah) Massey, Michele Baptiste, Sara Jo Paaske, Cheryl (Dennis) Timmerman, and Renee Lemburg; nephews Denny (Gina) Paaske, Jared Paaske, and Kevin Lemburg; and adopted families Andy (Sue) Kay and Les (Tedra) Holland, and several great-nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Susan Kay, brothers Herbert, Ronald, Larry, and Dennis, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill (Betty) Lemburg, niece Karen Lemburg, and nephews Randy and Keith Lemburg; and sisters-in-law Corinne, Sally, Susan, Joyce and Sally.

Funeral services will be held at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon with services to follow. Burial will be held at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.