Frank DeVries, of Elkhorn, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. He was 80 years old. Born on August 1, 1943, in Randolph, WI, where he was eldest son of Harry and Jessie DeVries, hardworking farmers who were able to instill in him and his siblings the core foundations, values, work ethic and integrity that propelled them through life.

Frank met his soul mate, Alice Faye Meekma, in High School and they quickly knew that they had met their match. After high school, the steps needed to have the lifestyle they desired began. Frank joined the Army, serving in the Intelligence division and was Stationed in West Virginia, while Alice attended nursing school in Wisconsin. Frank, being the resourceful man, we all know him to be, took every chance he could, driving all night from the base in West Virginia to visit his sweetheart Alice back in Wisconsin. Frank was lucky enough to marry the love of his life, Alice Faye Meekma on September 4, 1965, and their adventure began. Newly- wed and determined to fulfil their dreams, they moved to Madison where Frank studied business and Alice began her nursing career at the Cancer Researcher Center. Their hard work and sacrifices began to pay off. They started new hobbies like horseback riding, snowmobile riding, boating and fell in love with the lake life. Frank, growing up on a farm, never had an opportunity to recreate, much less learn, how to swim, but that didn't stop him from learning how to water ski. With Alice right by his side, they opened the Prairie Farm Store, a John Deere Dealership in Elkhorn. Frank earned the trust, confidence, respect and friendships of farmers and their entire families. His expertise in Implements, love of engines, horsepower and machinery, in addition to his competitive spirit, naturally lead him to the Sport of Tractor Pulling, changing Alice's and his lives forever. As they welcomed their son & and 2 daughters, they were forging lifelong friends in a community with many unbreakable bonds and became family with the Luedtkes and Skaars. The DeVries, Luedtke, Skaar families combined their knowledge, talent, skills, and hospitality and created the Badger Grand National which elevated the Sport to a whole new level. They were instrumental voices in the forming of the National Tractor Pullers Association, which they continue to be involved in the NTPA today as The Eliminator Operators, competitors, promoters, sponsors, and mentors to so many. There were countless happy memories and adventures shared both on the track and off. It was an exceptional life until Alice's tragic passing in 1984. However, Frank with his strong core foundation, the support of his family and friends and above all his faith in God he was able to persevere through the life altering tragedy of losing his beloved wife.

Everyone that new Frank knew that he was a dynamic and engaging man, with character and morals not often seen. Generous with his time, wisdom, friendship and resources nearly to a fault.    Words alone cannot give true merit to the caliber of man he was and the positive impact he had on many lives.

He is survived by his three children; Michael (Tali Johnston) DeVries, Michelle (Alan) Meike and Marilee (Dave Betts) DeVries, sister; Susan DeVries and grandchildren; Payton, Isabell and Alex.

He is preceded in death by his wife; Alice, parents; Harry and Jessie and brother; Gerald (Nancy).

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 11:00AM at Sugar Creek Lutheran Church, N5690 Cobblestone Rd. Elkhorn, WI, 53121. Visitation will take place from 9:00AM until the time of service. Burial will immediately follow the service at Millard Cemetery, County Hwy O, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, with Military Honors. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the DeVries family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com