Joann Princehouse

Joann (Fransen) Princehouse, age 83 of Toledo, IA, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook, IA.

Born Joann Elaine Fransen on March 2, 1943, in Slayton, MN, the eldest child of William and Marie (Vander Lugt) Fransen. She graduated from Chandler High School in Chandler, MN. Joann worked most of her life in the service industries, including managing restaurants in Tama and Traer, and at the Fareway Store in Tama.

On August 16, 2003, Joann was united in marriage with Max Princehouse at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They made their home on a farm in Toledo.

Joann was a faithful member of the Marshalltown Church of Christ. She cherished time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and, later, her great-grandchildren. Every Saturday morning was spent with the “Breakfast Club” before attending her grandchildren’s activities, a tradition she faithfully carried on until her passing. Joann was a wonderful cook, entertainer, and host who loved gathering people together and trying new recipes to share. She also enjoyed getting dressed up for an evening out, savoring a delicious meal, and spending time with those she loved. Whether hosting at home or dining at a favorite restaurant, Joann appreciated the joy, connection, and memories that came from sharing good food with family and friends.

Joann is reunited in death with her parents, William and Marie; brother, John Fransen; and her granddaughter, Josephine Dilly. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Max; children: Mike (Brenda) Dilly and Patty Dilly, all of Montour, Brian (Jill) Dilly of Gladbrook, and Stacy (Nicole) Dilly of Luverne, MN; her former husband, Harry Dilly; grandchildren: Stephanie (Christopher) Buckingham, Sidney (Mack) Wheelden, Hunter (Emily) Dilly, Jayda (Max) Scholten, and Jovienne Dilly; and great-grandchildren: McKenna and Harper Wheelden, Theo and Sophia Buckingham, Brielle and Micah Dilly, and Leia Scholten. She is also survived by her siblings: Jean (Leonard) Hulstein of Chandler, MN, and Pete (Karen) Fransen of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Alexis Fransen of Iona, MN; and her beloved dog, Penny.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, June 12, 2026, also at the funeral home. Burial will be at Turner Cemetery in rural Tama County, IA. The recording of Joann’s funeral service will be published under her obituary on Mitchell Family Funeral Home’s website.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Joann and her family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.