Nuella Signora (Thompson) FRANZEEN

FRANZEEN, THOMPSON, STUDER, GRAVES, RUST, KIRKEBY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/8/2008 at 10:23:35

October 6, 2008
Fort Dodge Messenger, Iowa

Nuella S. "Tommy" Franzeen, 88, of Fort Dodge, died Sunday, October 5, 2008 at her home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Palmer Funeral Home, Gowrie with Pastor Jim Davis officiating. Burial will be in Gowrie Township Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Palmer Funeral Home in Gowrie.

Survivors include her daughter, Jane Franzeen of Chariton, Iowa; sister-in-law, Bernadine Thompson of Chula Vista, California; nieces, nephews, friends and "adopted daughter" caregiver, Brenda Studer. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Russ; brothers, Howard, Donald and infant brother Merle Thompson; sisters, Marjorie Thompson, Stella Thompson, Ina Graves, Agnes Rust and Shirley Kirkeby, and many dear friends.

Nuella Signora Thompson Franzeen, daughter of Severt and Nellie (Hanson) Thompson, was born on January 15, 1920 at Kanawha, Iowa. She graduated from Kanawha High School in 1938 and from Lutheran School of Nursing in Sioux City in 1942. She worked as a registered nurse at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge. On March 13, 1945 she was united in marriage to Russell Franzeen. The couple farmed southeast of Gowrie for many years. She later resumed her nursing career at the Gowrie Care Center, where she also served some time as interim administrator. She moved to Gowrie following the death of her husband in December, 1970. In 1973 Nuella moved to Fort Dodge, where she was employed as head nurse of the Webster County Care Facility. She retired in 1980. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Gowrie and served on the Webster County Board of Health. She enjoyed reading, mall walking and spending time with friends and family. She will be remembered fondly by many people she encountered throughout her life for her genuine concern for their well being and her unique way of making everyday events memorable and humorous.

Nuella's daughter wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to Trinity Hospice staff and volunteers, Dr. Mark Marner, and caregivers, Brenda Studer and Maureen Johnson for making it possible for Nuella to peacefully finish her earthly life in the comfort of her own home as was Nuella's wish. Memorials will be directed to Trinity Hospice and Zion Lutheran Church.