Orville C. Franck

Orville C. Franck, age 88, of Wall Lake, Iowa, passed away Saturday January 17, 2004, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake.

Orville was born July 11, 1915, in Carnarvon, Iowa, the son of Albert and Christina “Kate” (Mauer) Franck.

Orville was baptized on August 15, 1915, by Rev. Discher and confirmed in the Lutheran faith by Rev. Schwidder on April 30, 1930.

He attended country school, Viola #5, in Carnarvon and went on to graduate from the Wall Lake High School in 1932.

On September 14, 1935, Orville was united in marriage to Vivian Helene Herrig at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake. To this union two daughters were born, Judy and Joleen.

Orville was a farmer and insurance agent in the Wall Lake area. He retired from farming in 1960 and from the Franck and Goodenow Insurance Agency in 1983. He was very active and committed to his church and his community. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake where he served as elder, congregational chairman, treasurer, financial secretary, and a member of the men’s club. He was the last living member of the church building committee.

His community activities included mayor of Wall Lake for 12 years, 1980-1992, President of the Wall Lake Chamber of Commerce, Vice-President of the Farm Festival Board and a member of the Twilight Acres Board.

Orville’s hobbies and interests included golfing, fishing, woodworking, and traveling. He had a special love for just being with people.

Survivors include: his wife Vivian, and two daughters and their husbands: Judy and Lee Hodoval of Evansville, IN, and Joleen and Dennis Wurdack of Hudson, OH. Orville is also survived by his four grandchildren: Dana Lynn Hodoval of Palatine, IL, Kristin Jo Wiltrout and her husband Jeff of Holly Springs, NC, Wendy Michele Goebel and her husband Brian of Evansville, IN and Molly Lee Wurdack of Athens, OH; and his four great-grandchildren: Nicholas and Zachary Wiltrout and Morgan and Tyler Goebel.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Kate Franck, his brother, Ray Franck and sisters-in-law Geneva Becker and Milrae Franck.

Funeral services for Orville are Tuesday, January 20th, 10:30 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake with Reverend Roger Carlisle officiating. The men’s quartet: Keith Erickson, Steve Nuetzman, Jack Stickrod, and Bill Scott provided special music with Carol Nuetzman, organist, and Jan Potthoff at the keyboard. The flower committee includes: Ruth Gerdes, Elsie Ogren, Marlene Schmidt, and Audrey Lamaak. Pallbearers are the following: Rick Franck, Jim Franck, Bruce Becker, Brent Becker, Jeff Wiltrout, and Brian Goebel. Burial is at the Wall Lake Cemetery with Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Friends who wish to send condolences may do so online.

Visitation is Monday, January 19th, 4:00-8:00 pm, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Wall Lake.