Frank Ankele

On November 22, 2021 Frank Ankele passed away. He was 92 years old. His wife of 72 years, Helen Garibay Ankele, and other family members were at his side.

A native of Denver, Colorado, Frank went to St. Cajetan Elementary School and Baker Middle School. He graduated Head Boy from West High School. He also took classes at the University of Denver. In 1949, he married the love of his life, Helen Garibay, They would go on to have eight children; four boys and four girls.

Frank grew up during the depression. Consequently, he learned early on what it meant to work hard and provide for his family. As a child he sold newspapers and performed odd jobs to help put food on the table. As an adult he performed a variety of jobs which required working with his hands. He made mattresses and furniture and owned a couple of garage door companies. He was also handy around the house and came up ‘with some creative albeit unconventional ways of fixing things.

Frank enjoyed the outdoors and frequently took his family for picnics in the parks and mountains in and around Denver. He loved nature and, literally, would not harm a fly. He could often be seen feeding the birds and squirrels and teaching his grandchildren how to avoid stepping on ants. How fitting that he should be named after St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and environment.

Frank enjoyed traveling with family members and always had an interest in geography and science, local, national, and world news. He enjoyed exercising and swimming, which he continued to do until a month before he died. Frank liked good food and was willing, if not eager, to try new and foreigcn foods. However, his favorite part of every meal was dessert.

An honest, opinionated, and good-hearted man, Frank was not without personal challenges and struggles. He constantly worked at overcoming those obstacles in an effort to leading a meaningful and impactful life going forward.

As his life was coming to an end, he welcomed visits from his children and their spouses, grandchildren, and other relatives. But it was Helen, his wife, whom he constantly wanted near him. And at the very end it was at her urging that he took his last breath.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Max and Josephine Ankele, brothers Henry Ankele, Max Ankele, Rudy Ankele, Anthony Ankele, Leo Ankele, and baby Gerry Ankele, sisters Mary (Trini) Baca, Beatrice Thompson, Molly Aloise, daughters Beckie Ankele, Amanda Lopez and grandson, Jordan Lopez.

In addition to his wife, Helen, Frank is survived by children Frank E (Sue) Ankele, Mary (Rick) Sours, Jerry (Debi) Ankele, David Ankele, Maxx (Christine) Ankele, Marcia (Dominick) Maldonado, grandchildren Ernie Ankele, LoriAnn Garcia, Rachel Sours, Jaime Robins, Jenifer Foster, Amber Rodrock, Ashleigh Ankele, Sarah Grupp, Mathew Orr, Maria Ankele, Christopher Ankele, Patricia Miller, Schuyler Ankele, Desiree Dixon, Marcus Rederth, Kyle Ankele, Shane Ankele, AJ Maldonado, Dominique Dreux and Mariah Lopez. Frank is also survived by two dozen great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Frank Ankele’s name to : The Sisters at Benet Hill Monastery, 3190 Benet Lane Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80921

Services and Reception:

Monday, December 6, 7:00 P.M. Rosary at Horan & McConaty 3020 Federal Blvd

Tuesday, December 7, St Cajetan Church 299 S. Raleigh St., Denver, CO 80219

Viewing 10:00 AM

Mass 11:00 AM

Reception (church basement) 12:30 PM

Graveside Service, 1:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 12801 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

The Ankele family requests that masks be worn during all services. Masks will be available on-site.