George L. Franzkowiak

George L. Franzkowiak

1935 – 2026

SCHALLER - George LeRoy Franzkowiak, 91, of Schaller, died March 9, 2026 at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. Burial will be in the Schaller Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. prior to the service at the church. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements.

George was born March 18, 1935 to Henry and Dorothy (Dadt) Franzkowiak in Schaller. He joined four brothers: Henry W., Frank, Raymond, and Dwayne. George was baptized and was a member of the Catholic faith. He enjoyed being a farm boy, and he and Dwayne spent a lot of time with the Tripp brothers. George was a graduate of Schaller High School. In football, he received the honor of First Team All-Conference Guard.

George was a farmer, but on April 8, 1958, he was drafted into the United States Army. George had training in engineering at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He spent twelve months at Fort Sill with one month at Fort Bliss, Texas. He operated Lex plants making fuel for Red Stone Missiles. In April 1959, he was sent to Germany and served with 523 Engineer Company where he worked as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. He was also a bulldozer operator and plant operator. George’s duties included building launch pads and nood improvements. He returned to the States in February of 1960, earning the rank of E4. He was discharged on Feb. 24, 1960. Following his honorable discharge, he served three years of active reserves.

Upon returning home, George met the love of his life at a dance. He married Darlene Schuett at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Holstein on April 23, 1961. He affirmed his faith and joined the Lutheran church when he and Darlene married. They had two children: Kim and Kirk.

George loved farming crops and livestock, and he was handy doing many jobs. He could do things to improve or repair equipment, put up grain bins, tiling, build farm buildings, and improve the farm. There was no job too big or small. In his later years after retirement, he was still often found at the farm as it was truly his life's work and favorite hobby.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene; son-in-law: Tim Blenner; grandchildren: Christine (James) Davelaar; Andy (Courtney) Blenner; two great grandchildren: Jayden and Logan Blenner; sister-in-law: Luella (Dale) Nydene; extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim Blenner; son: Kirk Franzkowiak; infant grandson: Jason Blenner; brothers: Henry W. (Phyllis) Franzkowiak; Frank (Rose) Franzkowiak; Raymond Franzkowiak and Dwayne Franzkowiak; and siblings-in-law: Gary and Sandy Schuett.