Franz Lubenow Sr

Franz Karl Lubenow, son of Karl Wilhelm Lubenow and Berta Emilie Wilhelmine Geb: Nitz, was born in Neustettin, Germany on September 24, 1904. He was baptized in Gellin and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Huetten, Germany. At the age of 22, he immigrated to the United States, where he worked as a hired-hand for his uncle, who lived near Appleton, Minnesota. He started farming near Johnson, Minnesota in 1946. In 1949, he married Gertrud Lubenow, nee Bettge in Celle, Germany in the Lutheran Church and was blessed with three children. His oldest daughter Rosemarie is married and now lives in Germany. His son, Franz Jr. now resides in Florida with his wife and family. Renata, his youngest daughter, is married and lives with her family near Minneapolis. Franz's life consisted of hard work on the farm, supporting his family.



Franz's hobbies and interests ranged widely, mainly from a love of music, singing and playing his mouth organ to bowling, gardening, making baskets, chatting and traveling through the countryside. He was a devout Christian and belonged to the Lutheran Church all of his life. His last years were spent in Chokio, Delano and Waconia, Minnesota.



Franz died on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at the Good Samaritan Center in Waconia, Minnesota, having lived to reach the age of 101 years.



He is survived by his three children: Rosemarie (Alex) Kogel of Bavaria, Germany, Franz Jr (Barbara) Lubenow of Florida and Renata (Mike) Ritter of Delano; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents and ten brothers and sisters.



Pallbearers for the service are: Eldon Westhausen, Allen Gronfeld, Wayne Westerman, Bill Fuhrman, Wally Wulff and Bill Wulff. Carol Johnson will serve as organist for the service with __ serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.