Frances VanGennip

MARBLE HILL, Mo. — Frances Minnie VanGennip, 96, of Marble Hill passed away Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau.

Frances was born Sept. 16, 1926, in Drum, Missouri, to the late Henry and Mary Laurentius Eftink.

As a teenager, Frances worked with the nuns of St. Mary High School and Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. During World War II, at age 18, she went to work at U.S. Cartridge Co. and Naval Ordnance 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, Missouri, and Marble Hill.

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 Senior Citizens Nutrition Center.

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

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

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

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill. A rosary will be prayed during the visitation service.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at St. John Catholic Church in Leopold. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

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