Franklin Joseph Royal

Frank J. Royal, age 89 of Nebr. City, NE passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebr. City.

Franklin Joseph Royal was born on September 22, 1934 in Nebraska City, NE; the son of Lewis and Anna (Van Ackern) Royal.  He graduated from Otoe High School with the Class of 1951.  After high school, Frank hoped to go to Nashville and pursue a career as a country singer. His dad, however, talked him into staying home where he attended Peru State College for a year and soon after began working at the Nebraska City Utilities.  He worked as a lineman and moved up the ranks to Electric Superintendent, which he served as until his retirement.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Wilken on June 25, 1956 at St. Paulinus church in Syracuse Nebraska and to this union five children were born.

Frank was later united in marriage to Dorothy K. Ruby on March 5, 1983 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Shenandoah, IA.  To this union Dorothy brought three children and together Frank and Dorothy had three more children.  The two shared over 41 years of marriage together.

Frank was a man of many hobbies and interests. He worked as a farrier for most of his life, only retiring after his 85th birthday when his health began to decline. He was a fan of all things sports and coached every one of his children as they were growing up. He was a devoted family man and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, The Eagles Club, The Lions Club, and the Elks.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy Royal of Nebr. City, NE; children:  Kevin Royal of Lincoln, NE, Deb Gardner (Dan) of Plano, TX, Wes Royal (Mary) of Stanton, IA, Dave Royal (Deb) of Eagle, NE, Cindy McGinnis (Kent) of Nebr. City, NE, Sean Valdez of Auburn, NE, Robert (Amy) Valdez, Michael (Erica) Valdez, Tammy Bando (Chris), Sara Aughenbaugh (Jim) and Brian Royal (fiancé Whittney) all of Nebr. City, NE; 41 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Royal, and great-grandchildren Everett and Kolter Tjaden.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City with Fr. Doug Daro celebrating the Mass.  Burial will follow at St. Benedict’s Cemetery in Nebr. City.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday (4/19) at the church.  A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the family for future designation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Franklin Joseph Royal, please visit our floral store.