Delores Rose Franzen

Delores Franzen, 89, of New Hampton, Iowa, formerly of Lawler passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, at Accura Health – Linn Haven Rehab & Healthcare in New Hampton surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, with Rev. Chris Podhajsky celebrating the Mass.

Interment will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Lawler, with Dustin Franzen, Derek Franzen, Joel Franzen, Justin Franzen, Travis Gebel, and Jeremy Oxendine serving as pallbearers.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. scripture service.

Delores was born on July 7, 1936, in Little Turkey, Iowa, to Victor & Mary (Jirak) Berst. At the age of 3, her family moved to Lawler, Iowa, where she attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School, graduating from the 8th grade.

Delores met the love of her life, Cletus Franzen, and they married on November 21, 1953. They made their home on the family farm east of Lawler. Together, they worked side by side on the farm until they moved to Lawler in 1973. During this time, they raised six children, five boys and one girl.

After moving to town, Delores began cleaning houses and businesses in the area. She continued that career for over 50 years, working into her eighties. Delores had a deep love for her family. Following Cletus's death in 1993, Delores found a passion for dancing and playing cards. She enjoyed helping out with weddings and events at the Starlite Ballroom. She was very outgoing. She could talk to and become friends with anyone.

Delores was a proud member of the Lawler American Legion Auxiliary for 60 years. She was also a devoted member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Delores is survived by three sons, Dennis (Deb) Franzen of Waterloo, IA, Ronald Franzen of West Union, IA, Curtis (Anita) Franzen of Lawler, and one daughter, Debra (Steve) Oxendine of New Hampton, along with 12 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Delores is preceded in death by her husband, Cletus, and sons, Richard and David.