"We send our sincere sympathy to each of you in the loss of your mother. We remember her fondly from our days in Shenandoah."
In loving memory of
Martha A. Franzen
November 2, 2008
On July 13, 1931 a daughter, Martha Arlene was born to Clarence M. and Bessie M. (Little) Whigham at the family home near Blanchard, Iowa. Martha entered to eternal peace on Sunday; November 2, 2008 at the Western Homes Communities Care Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
She was baptized on March 26, 1938 in the College Springs United Presbyterian Church and became a member there on April 19, 1946. Martha attended Pleasant Hill school and graduated from Amity High School in College Springs in 1950. She graduated from the Research Hospital School of Nursing program in Kansas City, MO in 1953 as a registered nurse.
She was united in marriage to Glenn Franzen at home near Blanchard, IA on May 24, 1953. The couple was later blessed with four sons: Jeff, Larry, Greg, and Keith. The family resided for many years on the family farm 10 miles east of Shenandoah. In 1985 they moved into Shenandoah until 2004. During their time in Southwest Iowa the family were active members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Martha spent the past few years in Waverly and Cedar Falls, IA.
Martha received much joy and touched the lives of countless children, nieces, nephews, friends, acquaintances, strangers, and her own children and grandchildren. These children and adults will miss Martha greatly.
Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband Glenn, parents and two brothers, Dean and Howard.
Those left to honor Martha's memory include her children; Jeff Franzen and wife Michelle of Waverly, IA, Larry Franzen of Hollywood, FL, Greg Franzen and wife Janet of Kansas City, MO and Keith Franzen and wife Meg of Northbrook, IL; grandchildren; Jessica Franzen of Highland Park, IA, Bethany Franzen of Waverly, IA, Max and Emma Franzen of Kansas City, MO and Glenny and Mira Franzen of Northbrook, IL; sisters; Jean Clark of Hewitt, TX, Dolores Shull of Riverton, IA, Carolyn Carpenter of Newton, IA, Phyllis Van Fosson of Braddyville, IA, Judi Finke Schreiner of Nebraska City, NE and Linda Burgett of Newton, IA; one brother David Whigham of Tabor, IA; an aunt Nancy Whigham of Clarinda, IA; other family and dear friends.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday; November 8, 2008 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah, IA with Rev. Mahlon Bekedam officiating. Marilyn Marsden served at the memorial register while Ron Oestmann served as an usher. Gail Wallin sung "Beyond The Sunset" and "In The Garden" while the congregation sung "Amazing Grace", Steve Richardson served as organist. Casket Bearers were Larry Burgett, Travis Whigham, Rod Clark, Garth Van Fosson, Bob Whigham and Dennis Van Fosson. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
Tributes
"Greg and family, I am so sorry to hear about your mother's death. I will not be able to attend the services as I am working, but you are in all our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do please let us know. I know this is a hard time for all of you. It makes us realize how short life is. I know you have wonderful memories of her, and you will cherish those memories forever. Sincerly, Barb and Rosalyn Martin"
"I will truly miss Martha. She was always so sweet to me (despite the occasional time when she probably should have been furious). All my best wishes to all of your family at this time."
"God Bless"
"I just happen to run across your mothers obituary on line and I wanted to send my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Take care, Robin"
"On behalf of the Meyerholtz family we want to send our condolences in remembrance of Martha. I remember what good friends and neighbors Martha and Glen, Ruth and Oscar were, especially to my grandparents, Opal and Irving Meyerholtz and thought of so much by my parents, Delbert and Mildred Meyerholtz. Wes Meyerholtz of Shenandoah, Ia. Doug and Jan Meyerholtz of Olathe, Ks."
"Jeff, Larry, Greg, Keith, and Families: Although the last few years have been very difficult, I hope you take comfort in the wonderful person Moe has always been and that now she is full of peace. We all have so many wonderful memories of her and all that she would do for anyone who needed her. My kids also have great memories of her! I'm sure watching over all of you--taking care as she always wanted to do! Lori, Kylie, Dustin & Cortney"