Edward “Butch” Franzen

Edward “Butch” Franzen, 85, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in his home.

Edward C. Franzen was born September 18, 1940, in Iowa City, the 9th of 14 children born to Mathias and Mary Evelyn (Dwyer) Franzen. He attended Richland #1 country school through the 8th grade, when he started farming with his family. Butch served stateside in the US Army for two years of active duty, followed by two years of active duty in the National Guard, and then two years of inactive duty in the National Guard. He married Marie Creighton on January 28, 1967, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clinton. They resided in DeWitt, raising 3 children. Butch worked for Ralston Purina (later Nestle Purina) Clinton for 34 years until retiring in 2005.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, playing cards and dominoes, shooting pool, woodworking, and spending time with his friends and family. He faithfully attended all his grandchildren’s school and sporting events. He loved feeding all the wildlife around his home.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marie; his children, Rita (Elbert Willis) Franzen of Eldridge, Lisa Franzen of Maquoketa, Rodney (Melissa) Franzen of Welton; 9 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren; sisters, Joann Reider, and Patricia (Orville) Wagner, brothers, Marvin (Barbara) Franzen, and Wayne (Julia) Franzen; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Vincent (Darlene), James (Marletta), Gerald, Leonard, and Martin, his sisters, Anna Marie (Norbert) Wagner, Marcelene (Alan) Eganhouse, Margaret “Rosalie” Franzen, Rita Hughes, and a brother-in-law, Thomas Reider

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt, with burial following in the church cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com