Frank M. DeKoninck

Frank M. DeKoninck died on March 4, 2019, at Golden Years Nursing Home. Born on March 25, 1926, he was a first generation American, born in Hoagland, IN. He was the son of Alphons and Elisa DeKoninck. He attended Hoagland High School. On June 5, 1948, he married Phyllis A. Rauch; she passed away in August of 2014. He started a long career at International Harvester in the late 40’s in Department #42. He enjoyed his time as a mechanic and had many fond memories of the friends he made there. He retired on June 30, 1982. He also co-owned and operated deKon’s Kitchen and Catering. The homemade wedding cakes were the specialty. This business was operated from the mid 1960’s to the mid 1970’s. He also coached a softball team at St. Joseph Hessen Cassel for four years. After retirement from Harvester he drove a school bus for FWCS for 11 years. He enjoyed the daily interaction with the kids. He spent many years at the lake and especially enjoyed “churning the water”. There was no trip made to the lake without taking the family to Bill and Casey’s for some ice cream. He also spent ten winters in Florida. He enjoyed playing golf, shuffle board, calling bingo, and line dancing. He also met several times a week with a group of friends at Nine Mile over coffee to settle the problems of the world. He was a member of the K of C, Council 864, for many years. He was known as Mr. Fixit; he could fix anything with the exception of eye glass repair and haircutting. After he moved to Lutheran Life Villages, he enjoyed many activities. He started playing Wii bowling and enjoyed the competition with the other residents. He was proud of the 300 game he bowled. He will always be remembered as someone who could talk to anyone about almost anything. He was a man of many stories which he told well and often. He is survived by his six children, Pat Rinehart, Lois Wolpert, Susan Klingenberger, Jeanne (John) Diemer, Rose (Greg) Aspy, and Rev. Kevin (Dr. Beth) DeKoninck. He also has 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Clara Macy. Preceding him in death are his wife Phyllis; parents Alphons and Elisa DeKoninck; brothers Arthur, Joseph, Dale and Charles; sisters Mary Ruhl, Laura Rauch, and Marguerite Rauch; and grandson Drew Aspy. The family wants to thank the staff at Golden Years and Lutheran Life Villages for the loving care they gave to Frank. Visiting Nurse and Hospice gave excellent care and made his final days so comfortable. Funeral Service is 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019, at St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Catholic Church, 11337 Old Decatur Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at D. O. McComb and Sons Foster Park, 6301 Fairfield Avenue, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Catholic Church or Visiting Nurse and Hospice. For online condolences, please visit www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com.