Bruce Otto Franzmeier

 

Bruce Franzmeier, 62, of Clarion passed away Thursday, February 28, 2013, with his daughter Laura by his side at the Clarion Wellness and Rehab Center in Clarion.

Funeral services for Bruce Franzmeier will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 4, 2013, at First Lutheran Church, 420 1st Street NW, in Clarion with Pastor Ron Nelson officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East, in Clarion and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Bruce Otto Franzmeier was born in Sioux City, Iowa on October 30, 1950.  Otto and Eleanor (Holmes) Franzmeier adopted him as an infant.  Several years later, infant Joyce was adopted to complete the family.

Bruce was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church and later attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School through 8th grade.  Bruce graduated from Newell High School in 1969.  He was often the ringleader for many cousin adventures.  He loved music and spent a year in California seeing some of the most famous bands of that time.

In 1970, Bruce was drafted into the Army and spent time overseas in Germany.  Upon his discharge, he attended school to learn the auto parts trade.  He moved to Spencer and worked at Siegs Auto Parts before moving to Clarion in 1987 where he managed the Siegs Auto Parts store.  He was with Siegs for a total of 13 years.

On August 10, 1991, Bruce married Kathy Bass and this union was blessed with a daughter, Laura, born in 1994.  The couple later divorced in October of 1995.

Siegs closed in August of 1994, which is when Bruce began working for Caylor Auto Supply.  He worked with them for another 13 years.  Bruce ended his career working 2 years for Arnold Motor Supply before he was forced to retire in February of 2011.

Bruce loved his job, enjoyed seeing his customers, and was always ready to share a new joke.  Bruce loved to be outdoors and participate in activities:  fishing, hiking, grilling, and swimming just to name a few.

Laura was the joy of his life.  He was always so proud of all her academic and musical accomplishments.  Bruce eagerly and proudly attended every activity she participated in.

Bruce was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2010.  Laura faithfully and lovingly cared for her father until he could no longer stay in his home.  In May of 2012 he entered the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Bruce passed away with Laura at his side.  His quick wit and love of life will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Bruce is survived by his daughter Laura of Clarion; sister Joyce (Mick) Vitzthum of Delight, Arkansas; father Otto Franzmeier of Albert City, Iowa; nephew Andrew Vitzthum of Delight, Arkansas; niece Amy Cox of Spring Hill, Arkansas; and a host of loving and caring “Franzmeier Cousins”.

He was preceded in death by his mother Eleanor Franzmeier.