Francis M Zeien

Francis M. Zeien, age 89, of New Hampton, IA passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington, IA with Father Brian Dellaert celebrating the mass. There will be a two hour visitation prior to the funeral mass at the church on Tuesday. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON, PLEASE JOIN THE FAMILY ONLINE VIA CONWAY-MARKHAM FUNERAL HOME’S FACEBOOK PAGE. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family. Francis Matthew was born February 2, 1932, the son of John and Wilhelmina (Schwickerath) Zeien in New Hampton, IA. He attended school at St. Mary’s in North Washington. After completing his education, Francis began his lifelong career in farming until he enlisted in the United States Army. Francis proudly served his country as a Corporal for the military police. After returning from Japan, he received his honorable discharge in 1955. When Francis returned home, he completed his education through the G.I. bill and worked as a carpenter. While enjoying time away from work, Francis met the love of his life, Rita Reicherts, at a dance in Lawler, IA. The couple were united in marriage on June 2, 1955 and made their home on a farm near North Washington. Together they welcomed their six children; four boys, Leon, Leonard, Randy and Richard and two girls, Luann and Sandy. However, during the week he raised six boys when the girls worked hard right alongside their brothers. Francis shared his work ethic with his children, making sure they knew the value of hard and honest work. He retired from farming in 1996, when he and Rita moved into New Hampton. Away from farming, Francis was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington, Farm Bureau and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Throughout the years, Francis could be found on an Allis Chalmers D17 series 4 on many tractor rides around the countryside and parades. In retirement, Francis returned to woodworking, specializing in scroll saw techniques. He created unique and beautiful pieces and received numerous awards. He loved watching his family grow and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever he was needed. Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 65 years, Rita Zeien of New Hampton; his children, Leon (Linda) Zeien of North Washington, Luann (Ken) Heying of North Washington; Leonard (Deb) Zeien of Floyd, IA; Sandy (Joe) Attleson of Kasson, MN, Randy (Vicki) Zeien of Chandler, AZ and Richard (Sharon) Zeien of New Hampton; his 21 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; one brother, Vincent Zeien of Waverly, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Wilhelmina Zeien; his siblings, Alvin Zeien, Elmer Zeien, Romana (Joe) Ryant, Louis (Lucille) Zeien, Agnes (Guido) Brincks.