Martina Franzen

Martina (Roerick) Franzen, age 84, resident of Lakota, ND, was taken home to be with her heavenly Father on October 21, 2018.  She was born November 13, 1933 in Rugby, ND to Michael and Dorothy (Hager) Roerick (of German/Russian descent).

Marty attended school in Esmond, ND until the 11th grade, where she spoke only German.  When her family moved to Tolna, ND, beginning her senior year of high school, she had to learn English.

Marty worked for the telephone company in Lakota and at the local café, where she met her future husband, Paul Franzen.  They were married on February 5, 1957 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lakota.  They made their home on the Franzen family farm southeast of Lakota.  She was a dedicated farm wife alongside her husband for over 40 years, which led to her being nominated and awarded Farm Woman of the Year in 1992.

Marty worked for Nelson County Social Services for about 30 years, starting in 1975.  She enjoyed the farm life, going places, dancing, gardening, cooking and baking, and helping others whenever needed.  She was a charter member of the Nelson County Historical Society and a lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church and Altar Society.

Marty is survived by her five children, Jeanne (Chuck) Shirley of Lakota, Colleen (Kevin) Weller of Grandin, ND, Dennis (June) of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Patrick (Amy) of Alamogordo, NM, and William (Tamara) of Lakota; eleven grandchildren, Paul (Amanda) Halvorson, Aaron (Anna) Halvorson, Jena Weller, Daniel Weller, Emily (Andrew) Westrom, Sarah Franzen, Jillian Franzen, Jacob Franzen, Brooke (Dylan) Zimprich, Dane Franzen, and Max Franzen; three great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Calla Westrom, and Grace Halvorson; two sisters, Genevieve (Lorraine) Vrem and Diane (Dewayne) Piker; and two brothers,  Adam Roerick and Ambrose (Sandy) Roerick.

Marty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and seven siblings.

The Funeral Mass for Marty will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Lakota, ND, on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will be private at the Lakota Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the Church on Sunday, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

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