Delbert Franzen

Delbert Leo Franzen, age 86, of Waucoma, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday November 7, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church 218 3rd St NW, Waucoma, IA 52171 with Rev Nicholas Radloff presiding. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church on Friday. Rosary will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Delbert was born on December 25, 1938, to Edward and Rose Franzen in rural St. Lucas, Iowa. He grew up in a large, hardworking family and attended St. Lucas Catholic School. From 1961 to 1963, he served his country honorably in the United States Army.

On April 18, 1968, Delbert was united in marriage to Peggy (Peg) Eichenberger at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Renee and Brad. Though Delbert was most often a man of few words, those who knew him understood the depth of feeling that lived behind his quiet demeanor. His favorite word, "no," was delivered with unmistakable clarity-and often with just a hint of humor.

Delbert had a special affection for animals, a trait that spoke to his quiet compassion. He found joy in simple pleasures: a good plate of chicken, the occasional indulgence in crab legs, and the timeless stories of westerns that filled his days with familiar heroes and landscapes. But above all, he loved his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, and even in silence, his face told the story of his love for them.

Delbert is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Peg; his daughter, Renee McElhenie and her husband, Sam; his son, Brad Franzen; and his grandchildren, Tylan and Ciarnan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Rose Franzen; his brothers Linus, Julius, Norbert, Donnie, and Mathias; and his sisters Nora Hackman, Luella Holthaus, Emma Franzen, and Agnes Pelican.

Delbert's presence in the lives of his family will be deeply missed-a presence felt not in grand speeches, but in the quiet steadiness of a man who lived on his own terms, gave his love in quiet ways, and left behind a legacy of subtle strength and unwavering loyalty.