Gary Franzen Obituary February 16, 2026

Gary Franzen, age 69, of Ossian, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the West Union Event Center, 10201 Harding Rd. West Union, Iowa, 52175. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Per the family’s request, Do not send flowers. Memorials for Gary can go to WinnMed Hospice, Springfield Church, and/or Ossian Fire Department.

Gary Leo Franzen, son of Raymond Franzen and Marion (Deetz) Franzen, was born in the Decorah Hospital on June 14, 1956.

Gary grew up amongst six siblings on a farm in rural Ossian. He attended Elementary and Middle School at De Sales Catholic School in Ossian. He received his High School Diploma from South Winneshiek High School in 1974. After living and working on the farm for one year, he entered Hawkeye Technical School to receive an education and training as a diesel mechanic. After graduating in 1977 from the technical school, Gary traveled on the road working for Graham Equipment.

On September 6th, 1980, Gary married the love of his life (his words), Danette Jauert. To this union, two wonderful daughters were born, Dana (1986) and Cassandra (1989).

In 1985, Gary would turn his part-time hobby into a full-time business. He and Danette joined a partnership with his brother Bruce and sister-in-law, Lois, and opened a diesel truck and trailer repair shop named Franzen Repair Inc.

In the early year of 2000, the Lord put a bump in life’s journey that would challenge him for his remaining years of life. There were many trials from the complications of having an autoimmune disease (Wegener’s Granulomatosis) that Gary would triumph over, but it was the Foot Neuropathy in 2019 that would slow his spinning wheels.

|n 2002, Gary & Danette bought the shares owned by Bruce & Lois and moved the business west a few blocks to the former Livestock Transport location. From there until May 2020, Gary and Danette ran a very successful business.

After the sale of the business, Gary started to enjoy a more relaxing life, working a regular 40-hour week, spending time with his children and grandchild; Kaladin, playing terrible golf, and his favorite pastime – eating

Gary’s heart was full of love and pride for his daughters, but his first loyalty would be to his customers. To him, the business was a hobby, and customers were his family. His final words are “THANK YOU!”

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond (June 14, 1991) & Marion (August 2, 2019), Mother-in-law Phyllis (Ehler) Jauert (October 21, 1995), and Sister JoAnn (Franzen) Wagner (July 31, 2020).