Franzmeier, Otto W. (1916-2013)
FRANZMEIER, HOBERMAN, HOLMES, BRAESCH, BUSKE, VITZTHUM, COX, SUMP
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 8/21/2013 at 13:12:02
Otto W. Franzmeier
December 22, 1916 - August 3, 2013Otto W. Franzmeier, age 96, of Albert City, Iowa, died on August 3, 2013, at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Albert City.
Otto was born on December 22, 1916, in Buena Vista County to Rudolf and Bertha (Hoberman) Franzmeier. Baptized on December 31, 1916, and confirmed on May 29, 1931, by Reverend Albrecht, he received his education at Zion Lutheran School.
Otto devoted his life to farming and working for several farmers in the area before farming on his own. On January 23, 1944, he married Eleanor Holmes at the First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids, Reverend Hatlen officiating.
Otto and Eleanor, then, moved to the Newell and Albert City area where they farmed for thirty-eight years. Their life was blessed when they adopted infant, Bruce Otto, and later infant, Joyce Ellen. Otto was known county wide for the impeccable upkeep of his farm and machinery. He loved the land and raised his family well, enjoying the country life.
A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Otto held various offices and joined the Zion Men’s Club.
In 1981, Otto and Eleanor moved into Albert City. After Eleanor became afflicted with Alzheimer’s, Otto lovingly and faithfully cared for her in their home for several years. Inevitably, her illness forced her into the nursing home where Otto became a daily fixture. He’d call Bingo, serve coffee, or do any task that needed doing. With a smile on his face and his robust laugh, Otto endeared himself to all he met.
On January 23, 2004, Otto and Eleanor were blessed to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
After Eleanor’s death in 2004, Otto was blessed by the love and companionship of Alvira Braesch and her wonderful family. Otto dearly loved his children and grandchildren. He was so happy to be able to travel to Arkansas twice to meet his first great grandchild, Emma Joy.
Otto entered the Pleasant View Nursing Home in 2010. While there, he always enjoyed the social activities, especially singing, Bingo, and all the musical entertainment.
Otto and Joyce were so thankful for the help and care given to him so lovingly and faithfully by his niece, Carol Buske.
Into his 90s, Otto still loved to polka with his sweetheart, Alvira. They even danced last December at his 96th birthday party. She always brought a smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Joyce, and her husband, Mick Vitzthum, of Delight, Arkansas; his grandchildren: Andrew Vitzthum of Delight, Arkansas, Amy Joy, and her husband, JR Cox, of Hope, Arkansas, and Laura Franzmeier, of Clarion, Iowa; his great grandchildren: Emma Joy Cox and Asher Jordan Cox, of Hope, Arkansas, and Alvira Braesch, of Milford, Iowa; his sister-in-law, Alyce Holmes, of Denver, Colorado; and his brother-in-law, Gordon Holmes, of Kenosha, Wisconsin; as well as a host of loving nieces and nephews; extended family members and friends.
Preceding Otto in death were three babies: Linda Lee, Paul Dennis, and a still born daughter; his parents, Rudolf and Bertha Franzmeier; his wife of sixty years, Eleanor; his son, Bruce Franzmeier; his brother and sister-in-law, Ewald and Annie Franzmeier; his sister and brother-in-law, Wilbert and Hattie Sump; his brother and sister-in-law, Eldon and Darlene Franzmeier; his sister and brother-in-law, Eldon and Anna Sump; and his brother and sister-in-law, Edwin and Lorna Franzmeier.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 7, 2013, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.
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