Lois (Brunen) Clark

Lois Ilene (Brunen) Clark, 89, of Central City, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. The family will greet friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Central City, Iowa, where a Vigil Service will begin at 3:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Central City, officiated by Father Sean Smith. Burial will follow at Mt. Clark Cemetery in Central City.

Lois was born on October 30, 1935, in rural Central City, the youngest of four children to Bruno and Leona (Kopenhaver) Brunen. She was a graduate of Central City High School, where she was recognized as the Valedictorian of her 1954 graduating class. On January 6, 1954, Lois was united in marriage to William Paul "Bill" Clark in Central City. To this union, four children were born. They moved to rural Coggon in 1970, and later, to rural Central City in 1973. After Bill’s passing in 2002, Lois later married Ronald “Ronnie” Franklin on October 29, 2005, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Central City. Sadly, Ronnie also preceded her in death in 2023.

Throughout her life, she embraced her role as a steadfast farm wife, actively contributing to the agricultural heritage she valued so dearly. Her hardworking spirit was evident in everything she did, from her home to her community engagements, where she was a cherished member of various organizations including the Altar and Rosary Society, a 4-H leader, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Historical Society in Central City. Lois was a very active member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, where she was an accomplished vocalist and enjoyed singing in the choir. A tireless homemaker and dedicated lunch lady for the North Linn School District, Lois devoted 28 years to nourishing the bodies and spirits of children, until her retirement. Known for her hard work and hospitality, she exemplified a life full of love expressed through her passion for cooking and hosting family dinners. Above all, Lois's pride and joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lois is survived and lovingly remembered by her children, Dale Clark of Spring Valley, Minnesota, Elizabeth “Betsy” (William “Bill” Lawrence) Clark of Elk River, Minnesota, William “Chip” Clark of Central City, and Carmyn Clark of Cedar Rapids; ten grandchildren, Annabelle Clark, William Clark, Brenton Lawrence, Cara Clark, Charity (Brad) DeBoer, Chanda (Ben Griggs) Clark, Caitlin (Mark) Kline, Dana (Tony) Garrett, RaeAnn (Nick) Dial, and Tate (Joslyn) Reyes; 18 great-grandchildren, Austyn, Hayden, and Evynn LaPlaca, Jordyn, Peyton, and Hudson DeBoer, Isaiah, Emmett, and Anderson Kline, Alyx and Jack Garrett, Ainsley, Aubrey, Dawson, Aspen, and Autumn Dial; and Cora and Grant Reyes; Ronnie’s son, Mike Franklin of Central City; and a host of extended family members including nieces and nephews.

In addition to her first and second husbands, Bill Clark of 48 years, and Ronnie Franklin of 17 years, Lois was preceded into eternal life by her parents, brother, Donald Brunen, and two sisters, Bernadine “Bernie” Sindelar and Dora Marie Wall.

Memorials in Lois’s memory may be directed to Camp Courageous, located at 12007 190th Street, Monticello, Iowa 52310, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.