Frances Minnie (Eeftink) VanGennip

Frances Minnie VanGennip, 96, of Marble Hill, MO, passed away December 18, 2022, at Chateau Girardeau, in Cape Girardeau, MO. Frances was born September 16, 1926 in Drum, MO, to the late Henry and Mary (Laurentius) Eeftink.

As a teenager Frances worked with the nuns of St. Mary High School and St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO. During WWII, at age 18, she went to work at the United States Cartridge Company and the Naval Ordinance Defense Plants.

 After the war, she returned to Bollinger County, where she married John A. VanGennip. Together they farmed and raised a family of seven children. She also worked as a sewing machine operator in Advance and Marble Hill, MO.

Later Frances worked with organizers of VIP Industries in an effort to bring opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Frances was one of the original cooks at the Senior Citizens Nutrition Center.

As a long time, supporter of the VFW and Auxiliary, Frances felt strongly about the promotion of patriotism and respect for those who served and the sacrifices made on behalf of this great country. She was also a volunteer of the Bollinger County Museum of Natural History and Library.

Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, and was a faithful member of St. John Catholic Church and the Leopold Ladies Sodality. Frances also was a religion teacher for parish school. She was an avid quilter, gardener, bingo and rummy player.

Survivors include her sons: Norbert (Marethe) VanGennip, Greg (Vonda) VanGennip; four daughters: Anna (Delbert) Morris, Norma (Daryl Ross) VanGennip, Shirley (Steve) Preusser, Mary (Andy) Siebert; one daughter in law: Donna VanGennip; one brother: Louis Eeftink; one sister: Emma Holzum;; 12 grandchildren: Mike (Cindi), Alan (Carolyn) Cindy (Tim), Matthew (Angela), Marissa (Lucas), John, Mark (Chelsea), Francee, Michelle (Dustin), Garrett, Seth, Drew; 13 great grandchildren: Chelsea, Haley, Samantha (Ryan), Morgan (Chris), Amber (Ben), Tylor (Liz), Tabitha (Trey), Mason, Houston, Autumn, Porter, Newt, Jackson; 13 great-great grandchildren: Madyson, Riley, Keri, Kallie, Teagan, Liam, Brindley, Terra, Sawyer, Lexi, Beckman, Jack, Goldie.

Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John in 1983; one son: Marion VanGennip; three brothers: George, August and Clarence Eetfink; two sisters: Gertrude Eeftink, and Ann Adams; and one granddaughter: Beverly Morris.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 26, 2022 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill, MO. A rosary prayer will be held during the visitation service. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on December 27th, 2022, at St. John Catholic Church in Leopold, MO. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery in Leopold, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to Bollinger County Food Pantry or the Senior Citizens Center in Marble Hill, MO.

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