Delores D. Franzen

Delores Darlene Franzen, age 84, of Washington, Iowa, died Friday, January 9, 2015, at the Halcyon House in Washington, Iowa. Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating. Calling hours will begin 2:00 p.m. Monday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday evening. Prayer services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa. Memorials have been established for Washington County Right to Life, Birthright or Choices Medical Center. Online condolences may be sent for Delores’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com Delores was born February 14, 1930, in Keokuk County, Iowa, the daughter of Vincent George and Leona Veronica (Lutz) Becker. Following the early death of her parents, Delores was raised and later adopted by George and Clara Lutz. She attended Country Schools in Washington County and graduated from Wellman High School. While in school, Delores was active in 4-H. Delores was united in marriage to Charles Joseph Franzen on May 2, 1950 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wellman, Iowa. Delores was a homemaker and a faithful wife and mother. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church where she helped with the Clothes Closet for many years. She volunteered making cookies for Veterans and took Valentine treats to shut-ins for many years. Delores enjoyed traveling with her family, attending the Farmer’s Market, band concerts, soup suppers,fish frys and biking. She was a blood donor for many years, rarely missing a local blood drive. She always looked forward to decorating for the various seasons but was especially proud of her annual “Easter Egg Tree”. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Spurgeon and husband Gary of Normal, Illinois; daughter, Cheryl Lyon and husband John of Upper Sandusky, Ohio; son, Dennis Franzen and wife Linda of Washington, Iowa; son, Gerald Franzen and wife Denise of Washington, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Deb Longest and husband Chuck of Washington, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. Delores was preceded in death by her parents; adopted parents; husband in 2002; son, Gary in 1998; brother, Robert Becker, infant brother, Ralph Becker; and brother, Jim Lutz.

Delores D. Franzen

February 14, 1930 - January 9, 2015