Frances Louise (Vohs) Earnest

Frances L. Earnest, age 95, of Holstein, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Holstein Senior Living of Holstein.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10:30 AM at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Holstein with the Pastor Tom LoVan officiating.  Burial will be at the Holstein Cemetery of Holstein.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein.

Frances Louise Vohs Earnest was born on November 19, 1928 in Holstein, Iowa to William Clinton and Minnie Sophia Miller Vohs.  Frances was born in her grandmother’s house Rosina Miller.  Her parents lived on a farm in Galva Township by the Maple River.  She attended school in Galva from grades 1-11 where she rode the bus every day.  In the beginning the buses were called a “hock” and were owned by O.D. Whitmer and his family of boys who were the drivers.

While Frances was in 11th grade, she and her parents moved to a farm just north of Holstein.  She finished her junior year in Galva living with Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Bumgardner.  She finished her senior year in Holstein where she graduated in 1946.  She helped her parents on the farm often driving the tractor and worked for Jesse Leonard during income tax season.  She later worked for Vohs Hatchery/Vohs and Johnson/Vohs and Miller.

On October 21, 1951, Frances was united in marriage to Max Earnest at St. John's Lutheran Church in Galva, Iowa.  They became the parents of two daughters, Sandra and Shari.  They farmed until Max became ill and was hospitalized.  Frances and the girls moved to town where she continued her employment.  In 1971 she became the first secretary at St. Paul Lutheran Church and continued to work until her retirement in 1996.

Frances was always involved with her girls’ activities having served in Band Mothers, as a Girl Scout Leader, and Sunday School teacher.  She had always been active in the life of her church and was on numerous committees.  She loved being affiliated with the American Legion Auxiliary and served in many capacities.  She loved bowling, playing cards, travels to Hawaii, Germany, Las Vegas, and just visiting with friends and family.

She is survived by her daughters Sandra Paplow of Indianola and Shari (Dan) Bernholtz of Sioux City; three grandchildren, Tim (Laura) Paplow of Nashua, Tom Paplow of West Des Moines, and Sarah (Lucas) Wiste of Grimes; six great-grandchildren,  Luke Paplow, Rachel Paplow, Joel Paplow, Ethan Paplow, Dakota Wiste, and Dillon Wiste.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.