On July 13, 1931 a daughter, Martha Arlene was born to Clarence M. and Bessie M. (Little) Whigham at the family home near Blanchard, Iowa. Martha entered to eternal peace on Sunday; November 2, 2008 at the Western Homes Communities Care Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
She was baptized on March 26, 1938 in the College Springs United Presbyterian Church and became a member there on April 19, 1946. Martha attended Pleasant Hill school and graduated from Amity High School in College Springs in 1950. She graduated from the Research Hospital School of Nursing program in Kansas City, MO in 1953 as a registered nurse.
She was united in marriage to Glenn Franzen at home near Blanchard, IA on May 24, 1953. The couple was later blessed with four sons: Jeff, Larry, Greg, and Keith. The family resided for many years on the family farm 10 miles east of Shenandoah. In 1985 they moved into Shenandoah until 2004. During their time in Southwest Iowa the family were active members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Martha spent the past few years in Waverly and Cedar Falls, IA.
Martha received much joy and touched the lives of countless children, nieces, nephews, friends, acquaintances, strangers, and her own children and grandchildren. These children and adults will miss Martha greatly.
Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband Glenn, parents and two brothers, Dean and Howard.
Those left to honor Martha's memory include her children; Jeff Franzen and wife Michelle of Waverly, IA, Larry Franzen of Hollywood, FL, Greg Franzen and wife Janet of Kansas City, MO and Keith Franzen and wife Meg of Northbrook, IL; grandchildren; Jessica Franzen of Highland Park, IA, Bethany Franzen of Waverly, IA, Max and Emma Franzen of Kansas City, MO and Glenny and Mira Franzen of Northbrook, IL; sisters; Jean Clark of Hewitt, TX, Dolores Shull of Riverton, IA, Carolyn Carpenter of Newton, IA, Phyllis Van Fosson of Braddyville, IA, Judi Finke Schreiner of Nebraska City, NE and Linda Burgett of Newton, IA; one brother David Whigham of Tabor, IA; an aunt Nancy Whigham of Clarinda, IA; other family and dear friends.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday; November 8, 2008 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah, IA with Rev. Mahlon Bekedam officiating. Marilyn Marsden served at the memorial register while Ron Oestmann served as an usher. Gail Wallin sung "Beyond The Sunset" and "In The Garden" while the congregation sung "Amazing Grace", Steve Richardson served as organist. Casket Bearers were Larry Burgett, Travis Whigham, Rod Clark, Garth Van Fosson, Bob Whigham and Dennis Van Fosson. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery.