Florence E. Collen

Florence E. Collen, 95, of Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, in Clear Lake surrounded by family.

A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, at Ward-Van Slyke, 101 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dr. Pat Hall officiating.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

Family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of North Iowa.

Florence (French) Collen was born March 9, 1921, the daughter of Edward and Mabel (Doss) French, in Humboldt County, Iowa.  Florence attended Mason City High School and graduated in 1938.  After high school she attended two years at Mason City Junior College.  Florence married James E. Collen on June 19, 1941 and after nearly 57 years of marriage he preceded her in death in September 1998.

She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, playing piano, reading books, crossword puzzles, playing cards, having coffee with her friends, celebrating birthdays, and Christmas. Spending time with her family and the grandchildren she held dear to her heart.

Florence was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Florence is survived by her five daughters, Sharon Kay (Kay) Stecher, of Semora, N.C., Barbara Rae Asche, of Clear Lake, Mary Sue (Robert) Friest, of Clear Lake, Linda Lou (Lauren) Tapps, of Rio Rancho, N.M., Jane Ann Higbee, of Clear Lake; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Hayden, and Shirley Morgan; one sister-in-law, Betty Plonien; and one brother-in-law, Don Collen.

Florence is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James E. Collen; sister, Eleanor Mott; brother, Billy French.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.