Francis Eugene (“Fran”) Likkel passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2019, at age 92. He was born to William and Anna (Vander Tuin) Likkel on Jan. 28, 1927, in Joubert, South Dakota. He was the fourth oldest of eight children.
In March 1942 the Likkel family decided to relocate to Lynden. With their children ranging in ages from 6 to 22, they loaded onto a 1939 International truck with a homemade wooden cabin on the back. It was Fran’s first ever “motorhome” trip across the country.
Fran attended Lynden High School and was elected student body president for his senior year in 1943-44. In May 1945 he joined the Merchant Marines and served on the SS Koloa Victory in the U.S. Coast Guard fleet for the final three months of World War II. Upon discharge he returned to civilian life in Lynden.
In high school Fran had met Janice (“Jan”) Maberry, and they became reacquainted a few years later when they were passengers on a Greyhound bus trip from Seattle to Lynden. They fell in love and were married in 1949. Fran and Jan settled in Lynden and, starting with twins, they had four children in less than four years!
Fran began his career in the insurance business with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Bellingham. A promotion took the family to Wenatchee in 1956. A new position with Sentry Insurance relocated the family again to Edmonds, Washington, in 1961. Fran eventually became an independent insurance agent and opened his own agency, Fran Likkel Insurance, on 196th Street in Lynnwood near Highway 99. He enjoyed a long career serving the needs of local individuals, families and businesses.
Fran was active in the Lynn-wood Lions Club and was a faithful member for over 55 years at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Edmonds, where he also served as a deacon.
In retirement Fran and Jan enjoyed many trips in their motorhome and seeing other parts of the country. They lived in south Everett for a few years and in 2000 moved back to Lynden while spending the winters as snowbirds in Apache Junction, Arizona. In 2008 they relocated to Bothell to be closer to their children and grandchildren, and in 2017 they moved to an adult family home in Lynn-wood.
Fran was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jan; their four children, Kenny Likkel, Kathy Kiser (Don), Connie Likkel and Craig Likkel (Shelly); seven grandchildren, Kristen, Sara, Lars, Tyler, Kiersten, Courtney and Kevin; and four great-grandchildren, Luke, Grace, Zachary and Samuel; sister Carol Early; sisters-in-law Ruth Likkel and Maureen (“Money”) Maberry; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, three sisters and many extended family members from his generation.
A memorial celebration of Fran’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, in Maplewood Presbyterian Church, 19523 84th Ave. W, Edmonds, WA 98026.
Please sign Fran’s online guest book at www.legacy.com.
