Franklin Mittelstadt, age 88, of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, February 11, 2008, at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake with Reverend Bruce Lesemann officiating. Burial will be in Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery with military rites by AMVETS Post #66 of Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be 5-7:00 pm, Sunday, February 10, 2008 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

Franklin was born on September 20, 1919 to Frank and Alma (Meyer) Mittelstadt in Storm Lake, Iowa.  He attended grade school in Storm Lake, graduating from Storm Lake High School. Frank was baptized and later confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, where he remained a life long member, serving on the Altar Guild and as Bell Ringer.
    
On February 21, 1942, Frank was united in marriage to Betty Marie Turner in San Antonio, Texas.  To this union, two children were born: Kim and Kyran.
    
During World War II, Frank proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  Entering active service on October 2, 1941, he served until his honorable discharge on November 3, 1945.
    
Frank was a bricklayer for W.A. Klinger in Sioux City, Iowa.
    
Frank genuinely loved the outdoors, whether it was camping, swimming, golfing or gardening.  He was an avid ice skater as a child, and proudly passed this talent on to his children.  Much pride was attained as Frank practiced his green thumb with his flowers and roses.  He loved Storm Lake and enjoyed being on the water, as he practically swam before he walked.  In addition, Frank also enjoyed photography.
    
Spending time with his family and friends was an integral part of Frank’s life.
    
Those who knew him will undoubtedly remember his singing and whistling.
    
Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Kim Mittelstadt and his wife, Lu of Storm Lake, Iowa and Kyran Mittelstadt and his wife, Nancy of Belton, Missouri; grandchildren: Shani Podl and her husband, Mark of Chicago, Illinois, Shawn Mittelstadt and his wife, Margie of Lakeville, Minnesota, Elizabeth Valdez and her husband, Brandon of Olathe, Kansas and Laura Lago and her husband, Austin of Olathe, Kansas; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Ray Mittelstadt and his wife, Marilyn of Storm Lake; two sisters: Alice Schuelke of Storm Lake and Doris Gutz of Storm Lake; many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
    
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; his sisters: Irma Peet, Helen Larson, Lucille Evans and Dorothy Langhans; infant brother, Walter; and granddaughter-in-law, Melony Mittelstadt.