ved for 5 years. On June 16, 1957 Franklin was united in marriage to Connie Surls and to this union five children were born: Bret, Tony, Ann, Bruce, and Jill. During his early years He worked as a milk man for Evergreen Dairy, and at the Weavers Quarry in Mason City. After working for Weavers he became a farmer, and farmed his whole life. On December 2, 1978 Franklin was united in marriage to Malinda L. [Koth] Carlberg. While farming he was a DeKalb Salesman for 45 years, during this time he received many, many, many salesman awards for DeKalb. Later on he was also a pilot car driver for Linn's Escorting Service. He also served his community on the Franklin County Board of Adjustments and also served as the Grant Township Clerk. Franklin Thies was a long time member, over 50 years, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks [BPOE]. Franklin William Thies is survived by his wife of 39 years: Malinda Thies of Iowa Falls; five children: Bret [Beth Jensen] Thies of Indianola, Iowa, Tony [Mari] Thies of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Ann [Tom] Humphrey of Polk City, Iowa, Bruce [Laura] Thies of Iowa Falls, and Jill [Kenny] Agan of Ankeny, Iowa; four step-children: Dennis [Holly] Carlberg of Iowa Falls, Michael Carlberg of Iowa Falls, Lynelle [Nick] Kling of Dumont, Iowa, and Angela [Dennis Heath] Norpel of Mesa, Arizona; numerous grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. Franklin Thies was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Taldine Thies; a six-year-old brother: Frederick Thies; two sisters: Esther Haupt and Dorothy Hoffmeister; and one step-grandchild in infancy. To read the full obituary, please click here: https://www.linnsfuneralhome.com/notices/Franklin-Thies