Frank Sanache was one of the World War II era code talkers from the Meskwaki tribe. As a member of the elite eight, he was trained to use the Meskwaki language to code messages for the allies. He served in North Africa, was captured about five months after arriving there, and spent over two years as a prisoner of war. After the war he returned to Iowa and worked in a paper mill for 38 years. In 2002 he was recognized for his service when presented with medals by Senator Tom Harkin. Frank Sanache was the last surviving Meskwaki code talker.

OBIT:

Funeral services for Mr. Frank J. Sanache, Sr. of the Meskwaki Settlement, Tama, were held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 22, 2004 at the Chapel of the Hand Funeral Home in Tama. Public visitation followed at the funeral home. A traditional wake service was held Monday evening at the Frank Sanache, Sr. residence, rural Tama. Traditional graveside funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, August 24, 2004, at the Morgan Cemetery, rural Tama. Burial followed with military honors being provided by the Robert Morgan American Legion Post #701 and the Enright-Schrader American Legion Post #73. 

Frank Jonas Sanache, Sr., age 86 of rural Tama, entered into eternal rest at his home Saturday afternoon, August 21, 2004 following a lengthy illness while under the care of his family and the Iowa River Hospice.

Born on May 2, 1918 on the Meskwaki Settlement, Frank was the son of George and Kakata Sanache. He grew up in the Tama area and received his education in the Tama schools. On February 10, 1941 he enlisted in the United States Army and served our country as a private first class in the 34th Infantry Division (Red Bull) Company H168 during World War II. Mr. Sanache was the last surviving Meskwaki code-talker of World War II. After being released as a prisoner of war, he was granted an honorable discharge on July 31, 1945 and returned home. He was united in marriage to Bernice D. Sanache after his discharge; and, the couple has always made their home on the Meskwaki Settlement. Frank worked in the maintenance department at the Tama Paper Mill for thirty-eight years. Frank was a member of the Enright-Schrader American Legion Post #73, Tama; the Iowa State Sheriff's and Deputies Association Institute; and the Ex-P.O.W. Chapter in Boone, IA. In addition, Frank had served as a member of the Sac and Fox Tribal Council for a number of years. He received a P.O.W. medal and three bronze stars and a St. Maurice medallion.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bernice, he was preceded in death by two sons, Junior and Frederick Sanache; one sister; four brothers; a step daughter, Sherry Catron and a step grandson, Michael Nocktonick.