Franklin Derby

Franklin R. Derby, age 76, of Carroll, Iowa, and formerly of Exira, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the Carroll Health Center Nursing Home in Carroll. A memorial services for Frank and Sue Derby will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll with Pastor Mark Peterson Chaplain of Gentiva Hospice officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11:00 A.M. Thursday until the time of service. Burial will be held on Friday, July 18, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. in the Exira Cemetery with military honors by the Exira American Legion. Born on February 10, 1938 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, he was the son of Wilson and Della (Conklin) Derby. He was raised in Avoca, Iowa, and graduated from Avoca High School in 1955. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956 and served four years. Frank was married to Marlene Bauer in 1971. The couple lived in Exira where they co-owned and operated Exira Farm Supply. Marlene passed away in 1984. Frank was later married to Sue Wheeler on August 3, 1985 at the Exira Lutheran Church. Frank co-owned Derby-Bauer Construction. Frank served with the Exira Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years and he was a member of the Exira American Legion for 39 years. He also served on the Exira City Council for 9 years. Frank and Sue belonged to the Exira Lutheran Church. Frank enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, woodworking, and spending time with his grandchildren. Frank was an avid Iowa Hawkeye Fan. Frank is survived by five step children: Jeff Bauer and his wife Sandy of Exira, Iowa, Jon Bauer of Anita, Iowa, Joni Bauer (David) of California; Zach Wheeler of Carroll, and Lindsay Riesberg of Carroll; seven step grandchildren: Jeff Bauer Jr. of Des Moines, Iowa and Alex Bauer of Atlantic, Iowa; Kyle Wheeler of Omaha, Nebraska, Hayden Riesberg, Rhyan Riesberg, and Dane Riesberg all of Carroll; a sister Janice Palmer and her husband Tom of Kirkland, Washington; five sisters-in-law: Jill Larsen, Joy Wheeler, and Jan Rasmussen all of Exira, Iowa, Diane Derby of Harlan, Iowa, and Peg Derby of Ocala, Florida; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marlene, two brothers: Charles and Terry Derby; a step-daughter Shannon Wheeler, and a step-granddaughter Amanda.