Donald Franzen

Donald A. Franzen, age 68 of St. Lucas, Iowa died Friday, February 27, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, St. Lucas with Rev. David Beckman officiating. The pall will be placed on the casket by Delbert Franzen, Anna Franzen, Linda De Sloover and Joyce Mahr. Lector for the service will be Kathleen Drilling. Kathy Meyer will be the organist accompanying the congregation in singing, ' On Eagles Wings', 'Be Not Afraid', 'Amazing Grace' and 'How Great Thou Art'. The offertory gifts will be presented by Dean and Ellen Franzen. Interment will be in St. Luke’s Cemetery with Dean Franzen, Joyce Mahr, Ricky Holthaus, Ronnie Holthaus, Eileen Eichenberger and Linda De Sloover as pallbearers. Friends may call 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2009 at St. Luke’s Chapel, St. Lucas, where there will be a 4:00 p.m. Rosary. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at St. Luke’s Chapel. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Donald A. Franzen was born March 24, 1940, on the family farm southwest of St. Lucas, IA, the son of Edward J. and Rose (Smith) Franzen. He received his education at St. Luke’s Catholic School in St. Lucas. Donald worked with his father and brothers on the family farm as well as helping out many neighbors. He had been a resident of Prairie View Nursing Home for a time and then a resident of the New Hampton Care Center. In Donald's later years he enjoyed fishing, playing Bingo at the nursing home, listening to music and going to parades. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Donald’s niece, Linda De Sloover for all the care and kindness given in the last years of Donald’s life. Survivors include one brother, Delbert (Peggy) Franzen of Waucoma; a sister-in-law, Anna Franzen of Waucoma; a brother-in-law, Francis Holthaus of Festina; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Lenora Hackman, Emma Franzen, Agnes Pelikian, Luella Holthaus; five brothers, Linus Franzen, Norbert Franzen, Julius Franzen, Matthew and Mathias Franzen in infancy.