Frank E. Bermel, 103, of Muscatine, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at SunnyBrook at Muscatine.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021, at St. Mathias Church. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be from 1 until 4 p.m., on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home, a rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ss. Mary Mathias Parish, or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Frank was born on November 20, 1918, in Muscatine, the son of Albert A. and Lucille Stecher Bermel. He married Cleo Carter on April 30, 1941, at St. Mary’s Church. She preceded him in death.
Frank was a member of the Ss. Mary Mathias parish and the Knights of Columbus. He farmed many acres, lived his life in the same Sweetland township, where he attended Sweetland Center School, and lived his adult life on the same farm since 1940.
Frank loved farming and was a farmer his whole life. Father’s Day wiener roasts were always a highlight for him. He also enjoyed playing cards, making wine, camping, fishing, and traveling. Frank and Cleo loved to dance. Frank’s favorite was polka music. Frank always had a smile on his face. He especially loved spending time with his friends and family.
He is survived by his children, Janet Derksen and husband, John, James Bermel and wife, Susan, Ronald Bermel and wife, Deborah, all of Muscatine; 11 grandchildren, Angela Tramel (Christopher), Gregory Derksen (Amy), Bradley Derksen (Jeong-ah), Jeffrey Derksen (Paula), Jesse Bermel (Ashley), Jason Bermel (Morgen), Todd Bermel (Dawn), Traci Schoer (Brian), Troy Bermel, Elizabeth Sharff (Brian), Melinda Bermel (Cory Jones); 21 great grandchildren; four siblings, Evelyn Jewett, Arlene Daufeldt, Delores Hammann, and Albert ‘Junior’ Bermel; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Cleo in 2011; son, Dennis Bermel in 2008; two siblings, Paul Bermel and Dorothy Fuller; and a great granddaughter, Brandi Bermel.
