Edna Fay

Monday, April 20, 2020 3:36 pm

Edna Fay, 88, of Sumner, passed away April 17, 2020. There will be a private graveside service at Pinhook with a celebratory memorial service at a later date. Services are in the care of Becker-Milnes Funeral Home, Sumner, 563-578-3451, beckermilnesrettig.com.

She was born Edna Matilda Franzen Oct. 19, 1931, on the family farm near St. Lucas, the fifth of 10 children. Edna was the first high school graduate in her family. She married John W. Fay from Fredericksburg Oct. 18, 1949, in St. Lucas.

Edna was a longtime member of the Pinhook and Sumner Immaculate Conception Catholic communities. She was an officer and active participant in the Ladies’ Altar and Rosary Society, helping cook meals for weddings, funerals, fundraisers and other special events. She enjoyed singing with the radio, dancing, reading, gardening and playing cards. Family or visitors to the home could always count on a hot cup of coffee and a hearty meal. The weekly family treats were the 10 loaves of bread and cinnamon rolls or doughnuts she’d baked.

She is survived by brothers, LaVerne (Rosemary) Franzen and Florian (Pat) Franzen; her children: Joanne Fay (Bob) Huss, Frank Fay, Christine Fay (Ed) Tibesar, James (Barbara) Fay, John (Joyce) Fay, Barbara Fay (Jay) Hageman, David Fay and Michael Fay; her 21 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Clara Schmitt Franzen; her sisters: Marcella Franzen Blong, Anna Laura Franzen Leichtnam, Clarene Franzen Humpal and Lorrena Franzen Bohr; her brothers: Albert Franzen, Leo Franzen and Duane Franzen; her former husband, John Watenpaugh Fay; and daughters, Kathy Sue Fay and Diane Marie Fay.

Her family thanks the good care of Cobblestone Court Assisted Living in Sumner, Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly, Dr. Daoud and the dedicated staff at Davita Dialysis Centers in Waverly and West Union and St. Croix Hospice, Charles City. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Immaculate Conception Church, Sumner, or a charity of your choice.