Eleanora Franzen

     Eleanora Franzen, age 91, of Ossian, IA, died on Sunday, June 12, 2016, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA.

     Eleanora Lucille (Imoehl) Franzen was born on February 21, 1925, the daughter of Frank and Angela (Hageman) Imoehl, near Festina, Iowa.  Eleanora attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Festina and was a hired mother’s helper for families with newborns. On November 11, 1947, Eleanora was united in marriage to Guido “Pete” Franzen at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, Iowa. Thirteen children were born to this union. Together they farmed near Ossian for many years. Eleanora was a busy mother; but was always willing to help others. She helped organize and worked for CDA wedding receptions, made lots of quilts, and baked LOTS of cookies and cinnamon rolls. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, as well as traveling and visiting. Eleanora loved her large family and being a grandma. In 1998, they moved into Ossian. She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. She served as president of Rosary Society and was Grand Regent of the Catholic Daughters of America, Our Lady of Victory Court #983. She also was president of Ossian Senior Citizen Club.

     Eleanora is survived by her thirteen children: Sharon Kay (Phil) Stoddard, Independence, IA; Keevin (Mary) Franzen, Dubuque, IA; Clyde (Debra) Franzen, Ossian, IA; Dean (Joann) Franzen, Elkader, IA; Ivan (Karen) Franzen, Ossian, IA; Inez (Larry) Brincks, Decorah, IA; Brian (Judy) Franzen, Decorah, IA; Phyllis (Curt) Krambeer, Cedar Rapids, IA; Joyce (Randy) Tietz, Cedar Rapids, IA; Arlin (Jill) Franzen, Ossian, IA; Lester (Cindy) Franzen, Waverly, IA;  Rodney (Lynn) Franzen, Ossian, IA; and Terry (Meghan Herold) Franzen, Ossian, IA, along with 29 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. One sister: Corrina Steinlage, New Hampton, IA.  Three brothers: Nilus (Jenny) Imoehl, Ossian, IA; Merlin (Anita) Imoehl, Decorah, IA; and Laverne (Leonilla) Imoehl, Elgin, IA.  Two sisters-in-law: Alvina Imoehl, New Hampton, IA, and Arlene Imoehl, Tucson, AZ.  Pete’s siblings and their spouses: Irvin Franzen, Hawkeye, IA; Helen (Ronald) Palmersheim, Greeley, IA; JoAnn Franzen,  Festina, IA; and Marion Franzen, Decorah, IA.

     Eleanora was preceded in death by her parents: Frank and Angela (Hageman) Imoehl. Her husband: Guido “Pete” Franzen on Sept. 5, 2011. One sister: Valeria (Gordian) Lensing. Two brothers: Jerome Imoehl and Ralph Imoehl. Brother-in-law: Leo Steinlage. Her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Joseph Sr. and Kathrina (Boyer) Franzen, Pete’s siblings and their spouses: Catherine (Roy) Tierney,  Carl (Madeline) Franzen, Marie (Lawrence) Bruening, Leonard (Mary) Franzen, Raymond Franzen, Theresa (Raymond) Baumler, Theckla Franzen in infancy, Louis (Arlene) Franzen, Lawrence (Pat) Franzen and LeRoy Franzen.

     In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given to the Ossian Senior Hospice, Box 98, Ossian, IA, 52161.