Franziska “Franci” Washburn, 82, of Lawton, Iowa, passed away Saturday, November 10, 2012 at her residence. A visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 13 at Waterbury Funeral Service. A prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home officiated by Steve Stouffer.

Franci was born October 22, 1930 in Stuttgart, Germany, the daughter of Fritz and Elise (Wegmer) Foell. She grew up in Germany and came to the United States as a foreign exchange student in 1949 to Pierson High School and resided with Mrs. Susie Countryman. On May 6, 1950, she married Lowell Washburn in rural Anthon, Iowa. They made their home in Hospers and moved to Sioux City in 1966. She attended Cosmetology School in LeMars, Iowa and established a successful beauty salon in Hospers and Sioux City. Franci became a proud American Citizen in 1974. She retired from the Iowa State University Extension Service, was a member of the Eagles Club in South Sioux City, and was their Madame President for many years.

The world was a better place because she was here.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Lowell, sons: Fred and Penny Washburn of Allen, NE, and Mike and Janine Washburn of Lawton, daughters: Barbie Wessendorf of Sioux City, and Kathleen Singelton and her special friend Mark Slocum of Sioux City, nine grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Franci is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and three grandchildren.