Leah R. Franzmeier

Leah R. Franzmeier, age 71, of Newell, Iowa died Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa. Leah Rosetta Petersen was born October 9, 1940, in Storm Lake, the daughter of Eugene and LaVada (Miller) Petersen. She attended school in Sulphur Springs, Iowa graduating from Sulphur Springs High School in 1958 with her eleven classmates. Later in life, Leah continued her knowledge with computer education classes and bookkeeping. On December 1, 1940, Leah was baptized at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, and in 1954 confirmed. She remained a faithful and devoted life-long member at Nain, where she was also an organist and the choir director. Leah was united in marriage to Merle Franzmeier at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Dennis, Diane and Douglas. Over the years, music remained an integral part of Leahâ€™s life. She played the organ, piano, and marimba. Consequently, she traveled all the states as a young woman, winning many contests playing her marimba. In addition to directing the choir at her church, she loved to sing as well. Leah remained active in her community and was a 4-H leader and was involved in the Buena Vista County Extension. Her other hobbies included crocheting, doing puzzle books, baking, cooking, playing cards and table games. Above all, Leah loved and cherished her family. She often traveled and visited her grandchildren, proudly attending their activities. Those left to cherish Leahâ€™s memory include her children: Dennis Franzmeier (friend, Connie Urban) of Newell; Diane (Rodney) Johnson of Newell; Douglas (Sandy) Franzmeier of Fonda, Iowa; grandchildren: Jessica (Christie) Johnson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Steven (Trista) Smith of Alta, Iowa; Angela Johnson of Newell; Evan (Karianne) Franzmeier of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Trisha Johnson of Newell; great grandchildren: Riley Miller and Sabrina Smith; brothers: Jon (Joy) Petersen of Lead Hill, Arkansas; Donald (Joan) Petersen of Phoenix, Arizona; sisters-in-law: Donna James of Phoenix, Arizona; Shirley Franzmeier Dillard of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; adopted grandchild, Josh Asmus; many other dear friends and family. Leah was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and LaVada Petersen; and brother-in-law, John W. Dillard.

Leah R. Franzmeier

October 9, 1940 - May 22, 2012