White Funeral Home
1315 Main Street
Jesup, Iowa 50648

Jesup – Lawrence P. “Larry” Franzen, 79 years old of Independence, IA, and formerly of Hazleton and Readlyn, Iowa died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at the Buchanan County Health Center – LTC, in Independence.  He was born March 17, 1933 in Auburn Township of Fayette County, IA near St. Lucas, the son of Joseph Franzen and Elizabeth (Bruening) Franzen.  Following graduation from St. Lucas High School he attended seminary for a short time before entering the US Army and serving in Korea.  On July 20, 1957, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Hilmer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waterloo, IA.  They made their home in Readlyn for many years and later Hazleton.  She preceded him in death on April 4, 2007.  Larry worked as a supervisor at Rath Packing in Waterloo and later worked at IBP.  He had also served as a reserve Police Officer in Readlyn.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his family.

Mr. Franzen is survived by one son Craig Franzen of Waverly, IA; four daughters, Lorrie (Clifford) Osborn of Sun Prarie, WI, Linda (Randy) Bast of Jesup, IA; Lisa (Darren) Ruzicka of Palo, IA, Lynette Renner of Independence, IA; 10 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; four brothers, Francis (Janet) Franzen of  Ossian, IA, LeRoy (Joann) Franzen of St. Lucas, Irvin Franzen of Hawkeye, Carl Franzen of New Hampton; two sisters, Helen (Ron) Palmersheim of Greely, IA and Theresa Baumler of Ft. Atkinson, IA.  He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Patricia, four brothers, Ray, Leonard, Pete and Louis Franzen; and two sisters, Marie Bruening and Catherine Tierney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. – Friday, June 15, 2012, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Jesup, IA with Fr. Scott F. Boone as celebrant.  Music by Monica Bengston, organist and the St. Athanasius Choir.  Burial will be at a later date at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Hazleton, IA.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA, where there will be a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday. 

Memorials will be directed to charity.