Francis Massman Obituary
We announce the death of Francis Massman of Decorah, Iowa, who passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 96. Francis will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Frank Massman and Lucy Massman (Backes); his siblings, James, Donald Massman, Helen Loesch, Laverne Massman and Cynthia Tillman; his parents-in-law, Vincent and Elizabeth Junk; his siblings-in-law, Verna Massman, Julia Massman, Barb Massman, Anna Mae Hageman, Carol Jean Winter, Rita Lou Einck, Robert Tillman, Lee Junk, Ernest Hageman, Jerome Einck, Alfred Pavlovec, Donny Winter and Robert Terry; and his grandsons, Jacob and Evan.
He is survived by: his wife Jo Ann; his children, Cheryl Von Ruden (Stan) of Norwalk, WI, Darrel Massman (Kristi) of Waupaca, WI, Tom Massman (Theresa Stortz) of Decorah, IA, Mary Keller (Peter) of Rochester, MN, Jesse Massman (Val) of Decorah, Pam Anderson (John) of Decorah and Brenda Huot (Ted) of Northfield, MN; his grandchildren, Dustin Von Ruden (Heidi), Kyle Von Ruden (Heather), Hannah Girard (Jim), Aaron Massman, Ellyn Pfalzgraf (Bill), Laura Kirchman, Jordan Massman (Kayla), Travis Massman (Stacy), Valerie Mergen (Joe), Stephanie Donovan (Matt), Adam Cline, Cody Massman (Bri Sivesind), Jamie Klepper, Kaytlin Ashbacher (Landon), Jessica Copeman (Jon), Brandon Anderson (Casey), Dalton Anderson, Jaden Falck (Mason), Skuyler Ward, Rainah Ward and Aspenn Ward; his stepgrandchildren, Bre Kingsbury, Cassie Willson and Izzy Kingsbury; his siblings, Albin Massman, Sister Marian Massman and Leo Massman; and his siblings-in-law, Phyllis Massman, Iva Nell Pavlovec, Betty Hackman, Dora Lee Terry and Lowell Loesch. He is also survived by 32 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on Friday, September 4th 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the St. Benedict Catholic Church (307 W Main St, Decorah, IA 52101). A Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, September 5th 2026 at 10:30 AM at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to St. Benedict's Catholic Church in memory of Fritz.
