Francis "Frank" Jacob Goerend

Francis Jacob “Frank” Goerend, 91, of Dewey passed away on March 27, 2026. Frank was born on December 28, 1934, in St. Lucas, Iowa, to Dominic Goerend and Minnie (Croatt) Goerend. Frank lived a life defined by devotion to family, service to his country, and a deep love for the outdoors. He was raised in Iowa and attended school in St. Lucas and Waucoma. He later continued his education at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where he also spent time playing baseball one of his lifelong passions. In 1954, Frank proudly joined the United States Air Force and served his country with honor, remaining especially close to his younger brother Duey during their time in service. Their bond endured throughout their lives, strengthened by years of hunting and fishing together. Earlier in life, he was known for lending a helping hand to farmers in the area where he grew up, never hesitating to work hard or support others. It was through church that Frank met his future wife, Wynema. Not long after, Wynema and her two sisters hosted a Halloween party at their home and invited Frank and his brother, Duey, to attend. Following that evening, Frank and Wynema began dating regularly and their relationship quickly grew into a deep and lasting love. They were married in June of 1957 at the very church where they first met, beginning what was to be almost 69 years of married life. Following his military service, Frank dedicated many years to hard work and service. He retired from McConnell Air Force Base after 27 years. After retirement, he continued working in Wichita with a company specializing in van conversions. Frank and his family lived in several places throughout his life, including Salina, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Jersey, New York, Japan and various Air Force postings, before returning to Wichita and eventually retiring at McConnell Air Force Base. A man of many passions, Frank found joy in hunting, fishing, and camping. He especially loved trout fishing at Roaring River State Park. He also enjoyed antiquing and was deeply involved in his church community. As a member of Dewey Nazarene Church beginning in 2003, Frank took great pride in maintaining the church grounds, faithfully caring for them for more than 20 years. He also faithfully held Sunday morning services at Medicalodges in Dewey for the past 23 years, sharing his faith and bringing comfort to many. Music was another love of Frank’s—he played in the Prairie Schooner Band in Wichita and enjoyed sharing that gift at nursing homes and community events. His love of baseball carried throughout his life as well; he played minor league baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals organization and even pitched against Satchel Paige during an NBC tournament in Wichita. Later, he continued to give back by coaching youth baseball teams. Frank will be remembered most for his kindness and generosity. He never met a stranger, often inviting others to share a meal or offering help wherever it was needed. He had a special place in his heart for animals, frequently rescuing abandoned dogs and supporting local shelters with both time and donations. He is survived by his beloved wife, Wynema; his sons, Randy (Valerie) Goerend and Russell (Shelia) Goerend; and his cherished grandchildren, Taylor Goerend, Maddie Goerend, Ben Benson, Andy Benson, Brenton (Rachel) Goerend, Alec Goerend , and Camille Goerend. He was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren: Taytum, Hunter, Coco, Grayson, Ellie and other family members and friends who brought him immense joy. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Dominic and Minnie Goerend, and his siblings, Ella, Nipper, Claudie, Lucille, Butch, and Duey. Frank’s life was one of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep love for those around him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered. Visitation will be from 10-8 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 10th at Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel, 113 S. Osage, Dewey, OK 74029, (918) 534-3030. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11th at Dewey Church of the Nazarene. Interment will follow in the Dewey Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com

Francis "Frank" Jacob Goerend

December 28, 1934 - March 27, 2026