Laverne Franzen

LaVerne Franzen, age 94, of St Lucas, IA passed away peacefully with his wife by his side and surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at his home in St. Lucas. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 29, 2024, at the St. Luke’s Catholic Church at 215 East Main St. St. Lucas, IA with Rev. Nick Radloff presiding. Burial will be in the St. Luke’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 2024, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church and after 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning at the church. LaVerne was born September 29, 1929, to Michael and Clara (Schmitt) Franzen in St. Lucas, Iowa. He was the fourth of ten children. LaVerne attended school until the 8th grade. LaVerne proudly joined and served in the United States Army. He served from 1951-1953 in the Airborne division out of Ft. Leavenworth, KS. LaVerne married RoseMary Croatt on June 2, 1954, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA. Together they adopted three children: Debbie, Danny, and Denise. LaVerne farmed from 1954 until 2000. In 2000, LaVerne and RoseMary bought a house in St. Lucas and have resided there since. He enjoyed polka dancing for many years. In his later years, he enjoyed helping RoseMary with her flowers. Above all he was an avid Cubs fan. Rarely would you see Laverne without his suspenders and Chicago Cubs apparel on. Surviving LaVerne is his wife, RoseMary Franzen. Children: Debbie (Paul) Dietzenbach, St. Lucas, IA; Danny (Josephine Besabe) Franzen, St. Lucas, IA; Denise (Joe) Mueller, Elkader, IA. Grandchildren: Jamie (Courtney) Hageman, Marcus (Nichole) Hageman, Heidi (Nick) Busta, Mollie Franzen, Adam Franzen, Lindsey Franzen, Zach (Kate) Mueller, Nick (Alison Larson) Mueller, Brad Mueller, and 14 great-grandchildren. Sister-in-laws: Patricia Franzen, Helen Franzen & Diane Franzen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Clara Franzen. Siblings: Anna Laura (Tony) Leichtnam, Marci (Leonard) Blong, Leo Franzen, Florian Franzen, Al (Irene) Franzen, Duane Franzen, Lorrena (Mark) Bohr, Clarene (Tony) Humpal and Edna (Johnny) Fay.