Valeria A. Franzen, 88
Valeria A. Franzen, age 88, of New Hampton, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center.
As per family wishes, there will be a private graveside service at a later date. Conway-Markham Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Valeria Anna was born on Aug. 24, 1932, to Victor and Mary (Jirak) Berst at Little Turkey.
Valeria attended school in Lawler She was a nanny in Chicago for a short time and she then returned to New Hampton.
Valeria was united in marriage to Clarence Franzen on Nov. 26, 1951, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lawler. The couple made their home on the family farm near Waucoma.
Later they moved to a farm near Jerico, until they made their home in New Hampton from 1956 to the present time.
Valeria enjoyed gardening, needlepoint, puzzles, walks, making pies, and listening to polka music, especially Molly B. Valeria enjoyed the outdoors and her favorite companion Little Bear. She was a member of Holy Family Parish in New Hampton.
Valeria is survived by her children, Kenneth Franzen of New Hampton, Kathryn Franzen of New Hampton, Rebecca Franzen of New Hampton, and Stephen (Jo) Franzen of New Hampton; granddaughter, Amanda Franzen of North Liberty; and sister, Delores Franzen of New Hampton.
Valeria is preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Mary Berst; her husband, Clarence; son, Alan “Big Al;” brothers, Adrian and Charles; and sister, Leona.