Francene Ann Zosulis

Francene Ann Zosulis, 80, mother, grandmother and gifted pianist, took her final bow on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Born on January 27, 1945 in North Dakota, the daughter of Francis and Elsie (Dettloff) Haibeck, Francene was their miracle baby and soon proved to be a musical prodigy. Growing up in Steele, North Dakota, Francene loved playing Whist and all card games with her father and uncles. She began teaching piano lessons at the age of 13 and was contacted by the Juilliard School of Music. She graduated with a class of 16 from Steele High School, in the spring of 1963. Following high school graduation and a move to Freeport, Illinois, Francene attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While in college, she met the love of her life in Aivars Zosulis. The two of them were united in marriage on December 23, 1967. Francene started her lifelong education profession as a music teacher in Gladbrook and then Denver, Iowa before the couple settled in St. Ansgar. The majority of her career was spent teaching music at Stacyville Visitation Catholic School, directing many elaborate programs every Christmas and spring. During this time, she also taught numerous piano lessons with spring recitals each year, both in Stacyville and St. Ansgar. Her love of music continued as Church organist, including accompanying hundreds of weddings and funerals. She also founded the First Lutheran Church Handbell choirs, directing the adult Celebration Ringers and high school Tintinnabulations. The two choirs thrived under her direction for a decade. After earning her Masters Degree in Library Media from Mankato State University, she continued her teaching career as the Library Media Specialist in both Manly, Iowa and Lyle, Minnesota. Francene’s hobbies included reading, cross stitching, and traveling with Aivars in their motorhome. 

She was an avid collector of egg cups, nativities, pilgrims, and bunnies. The only thing that outweighed her love of music, was her love for her family. Francene and Aivars had two daughters, Kari and Lori. The family of four traveled every summer on exciting road trips that Francene meticulously planned. Francene instilled in the girls not only a love for music, but also card playing, list making, and countless family traditions. Her grandchildren will remember her for KidTrips in the motorhome, playing piano with them, and making Kumla. The entire family loved her fried chicken and Aivars would say she made the best gravy ever! Francene will be deeply missed by her daughters Kari and Tim Hemann of Newton, and Lori and Steve Daniel of Fort Dodge; grandchildren Sydney Hemann of Knoxville, TN, Collin and Belinda Hemann of Maple Grove, MN, and Logan Finowski of Fort Dodge, IA; and many extended family and friends, old and new. She was preceded in death by husband Aivars, her parents, and her sister Marlene Vorthmann.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar with Rev. Christopher Staley officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hoff Celebrations - Schroeder Chapel at 207 South School Street in St. Ansgar.