Lawrence P. Frana

Lawrence Frana, age 73, of rural Lime Springs, Iowa passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2014 of a suspected heart attack. Lawrence Peter Frana was born on September 9, 1941, the son of Cecelia and George Frana of Lime Springs, Iowa. Football and track were favorite sports of Lawrence’s during his high school years at Riceville, IA. Following graduation from Riceville High School, Lawrence became a partner in the family farm. Lawrence lived his entire life on the family farm near Maple Leaf, a suburb of Saratoga, Iowa. Lawrence also worked at the Donaldson Company in Cresco, retiring after 31 years. As a young adult, Lawrence discovered his love of horses and trail riding. Many new friends were made when Lawrence attended trail rides, horse sales and any other horse related activity he could find. Lawrence loved to ride so much that he rode from the Canadian Border to Little Falls, Minnesota, a distance of nearly 300 miles. In addition to horses, Lawrence became interested in marathons and even made the trip to Boston as an unofficial participant. At some point in Lawrence’s early life, a dog by the name of Wilbur joined the family. That dog was so beloved that every dog after that proudly bore the same name. Lawrence is survived by the last of his beloved pets named Wilbur. Lawrence is survived by his dear friend, Shirley Swancutt; sisters Sylvia Hayek, Fort Atkinson, IA, Gladys Ferrie, Harmony, MN, Eileen (Pat) Sweeney, Elma, IA; a brother, David (Jackie)Frana, Walker, MN, plus many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents: George and Celia Frana and sisters Marie Mashek and Leona Stortz; brothers-in-law, Ray Hayek , Joe Stortz, Ray Ferrie and Alvin Mashek.