Janet Louise Franzen, 85 of Ossian, Iowa passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Ossian Care Center in Ossian, Iowa. She was born November 30, 1940, in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, to Fred and Philomena (Broghammer) Munk. She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, later earning her teaching diploma from Presentation Junior College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Janet taught second grade and was especially proud of preparing her students for their First Holy Communion.
While visiting relatives in Iowa with her mother, Janet met Francis Franzen, their hired hand, and the two went on a date. Afterward, Janet told her mom, “I think I’m going to marry that man”. She was right. On August 18, 1962, Janet and Francis were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Together they farmed and raised two daughters before retiring and moving to Ossian. Janet later worked at the Ossian Vet Clinic and CO-OP One Stop. Grandma’s door was always open to her family- no matter what they needed.
Surviving Janet are her daughters, Mary Beth (Jeff) Schroeder of Marion, Iowa and Anne Kriener of Spillville, Iowa; grandchildren, Nolan (fiancé Alexis) Schroeder, Mali (Avi) Ravishankar, Zak (Libby) Kriener, Mak (Hanna) Kriener and Keegan (Dan) Luzum; great-grandchildren, Vihan, Luke, Kaislee, Teegan, Kenley, Rylen, Hayes and Lincoln.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Franzen; son-in-law, Ivan Kriener; and great-grandson, Aria Ravishankar.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa, with Rev. Henry Huber as the celebrant. A public rosary will be held at 8:30 a.m., followed by visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
Interment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to WinnMed Hospice, Decorah, Iowa. Hospice Donation Link
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian, Iowa is assisting the family with services.