Loretta M. Franz

Loretta Mary Franz age 93 of Crosby formerly of Aitkin died on July 20, 2014 at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby. She was born on May 10, 1921 in Nashwauk to William and Rose (Lucas) Zigan. She was a devoted mother to her family, faith and farm life since her marriage to John Thomas Franz on April 18, 1942 in Browerville. She was a former member of St. James Catholic Church in Aitkin, serving as the parish housekeeper for many years. She was active through the church Food Shelf and distributing food baskets to those in need. She was active in the community serving on the Dean Lake Township Board and active with 4-H and the Farm Bureau. She is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Crosby, the Catholic Church Women, and the National Catholic Society of Foresters, St. Mary's Court 854.

Loretta is survived by 3 sons, Conrad (Maryann) Franz of Babbitt, Allan Franz of Crosby and Ted (Julie) Franz of Pillager; 5 daughters, Rosemary Barnes of Brainerd, Nancy (Terry) Morgan of Aitkin, Audrey (Dennis) Schumacher of Arden Hills, Elizabeth Lyons of Grand Rapids and Theresa Franz of Brainerd; 2 sisters, Roseann Zigan of Browerville and Marge Thomas of Great Falls, MT; fifteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, John in 1995; 1 son, John in 2008; Brother-in-law, Warren Franz in 2012; 2 brothers, Bill and James Zigan and 1 sister, Alice Wiesgalla.

Funeral services will be 11:30 am on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Crosby. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery in Aitkin. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 to 8 pm with a rosary at 7 pm at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby and 1 hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.