Richard L. Franzen

Richard L. “Rick” Franzen, 56, a resident of 256 E. Division St., died Saturday, November 10, 2007, at St. Agnes Hospital. Rick suffered a massive heart attack early Thursday morning while in his sleep.He was born on April 14, 1951, a son to LeRoy R. and Katherine G. Schmitz Franzen, in Fond du Lac.Following Rick’s graduation from St. Mary’s Grade School in 1965, he and his family moved to Sheboygan. He began working for Piggly Wiggly as a bagger at age 16. Following his graduation from Sheboygan South High School in 1969, Rick continued his employment with Piggly Wiggly. He was promoted numerous times and worked in several communities before returning to Fond du Lac. Rick eventually became store manager and was offered the chance to purchase the Fond du Lac location in 1992. Vic Hinkes joined him as partner and their new store was built in 1994.On November 14, 2003, Rick married Cheryl A. Loehr, the love of his life, in Jamaica.Rick was a member of Holy Family- St. Mary.He was a former member of the Lakeside Evening Kiwanis Club. Rick had a passion for riding his Harley-Davidson and enjoyed participating in H.O.G. chapter events. Rick took great pride in his garden and yard. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling and fishing. Rick was very passionate about his job and professional associations. He loved spending time with his family and friends and was an amazing role model for his son, Taylor.Survivors include his wife, Cheryl, and their son, Taylor, at home; son, Jason (Robin) Franzen of Cross Plains, daughter, Angel (Mark) Noll of Belgium; four grandchildren: Haley and Nolan Franzen, Mason and Skylar Noll; his parents, Lee and Katie Franzen of Sheboygan; two brothers: Brian (Joy) Franzen, Craig (Carol) Franzen all of Sheboygan; two sisters: Kim (Steve) Gerk of Sheboygan, and Trudy Franzen of Belgium together with her special friend Paul; two step-children: Stephanie and Sean Loehr; Cheryl’s parents, Bob and Joan Guell, and five sisters-in-law: Barbie Miller (special friend, Jeff), Laura (Rhody) Launders, Lisa (Bill) Ferguson, Robin Guell (special friend, Mark), and Geralyn (Andy) Freund, together with many nieces and nephews.Visitation for Rick will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, November 15, 2007, at Mach Funeral Chapel, 31 E. Division St., Fond du Lac.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 16, 2007, at Holy Family Parish, St. Mary, 93 Marquette Street, Fond du Lac, with Fr. Carmelo Giuffre officiating.Cremation will follow with private inurnment at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund for Rick’s son, Taylor, will be established.A special thank you to the Fond du Lac Emergency Response Team, St. Agnes Hospital Emergency Department and the Intensive Care Unit staff for their outstanding care and compassion during Rick’s stay.

Richard L. Franzen

April 14, 1951 - November 10, 2007