Sara has requested as memorials that you make book donations to various charities, including the Ronald McDonald House or direct memorials to World Vision or Relay for Life.

Sara Anne Frankl was born May 13, 1973 (Mother's Day) to Mike and Jane (Grandgenett) Frankl of Algona, IA. Sara was baptized at St. Cecelia parish and attended St. Cecelia grade school. Sara graduated from Bishop Garrigan high school in 1991, and received her English Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996.

Sara used her degree in English working for a magazine in Cedar Falls, but her disability made it difficult for her to work and eventually Sara became homebound. Over time, Sara viewed her disability as a blessing. It allowed her to go from making a living focusing on professional goals, to making a life focusing on personal goals: I will not be ashamed to stand before God; I will fulfill God's plan by living the best life I can with what I am given; I will be aware and present in every moment; I will love what I have and not yearn for what I lack; I will spread the Joy, not the fear; I will be intentional in all things. Sara taught us that there isn't a situation in life that isn't covered by these goals. This is how her friends knew her, and it's how she wants us all to remember her.

One of Sara's favorite quotes is: "Have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones. And when you have finished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake." ~Victor Hugo

Sara lived her life with a strong belief that God can take care of more than one thing at a time; and God thinks we are worth it. There were great sorrows in Sara's life... and He granted her the courage to face them. Sara was able to hold on to her courage and patience by believing with every fiber of her being that God is awake. Sara's life was about "Choosing Joy." Today, Sara's joy is with her earthly and her heavenly father... singing and dancing. (To learn more about Sara and her faithfulness, go to www.gitzengirl.blogspot.com.)

Sara is survived by her mother, Jane Frankl of Algona; her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, Jerry and Amy (Arndorfer) Frankl of Ames and their children, Anna, Michael and Christian; Laura and Jeff Pedersen of Sioux City and their children, Thomas, Rebecca, and Nicole and (Frank) DeLeon and great-nephew Grant; Jim and Amy (Dimick) Frankl of Akron and their children Alexander, Spencer, and Reagan; Janette Frankl of Winona, MN; Steve and Patience (Besch) Frankl of Port Washington, WI, and their children Cooper and Avery. Sara is also survived by her grandmother, Rita Frankl of Cherokee; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Sara was preceded in death by her father, Mike; Maternal Grandparents Joe and Florence Grandgenett; and Paternal Grandfather, Gerald Frankl.

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