RANTOUL – Menke Henry Franzen, 95, of rural Rantoul passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday (Aug. 2, 2015) at Illinois Knights Templar Home, Paxton.
He was born Oct. 9, 1919, in Champaign County, a son of Henry and Anna (Osterbur) Franzen. He married Margaret Kathryn Albers on March 17, 1940, in Champaign County. She preceded him in death on July 23, 2002.
He is survived by four children, Gary (Beverly) Franzen of Libertyville, Gayle (Peggy) Franzen of Chicago, Kathleen (John) Swanson of Bartlesville, Okla., and Todd (Pam) Franzen of Taylor Ridge; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Thea Suits.
Mr. Franzen worked as a deputy sheriff for Champaign County for 20 years. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where he was president of Luther League and served as deacon for four years, on the building committee of the Flatville Parish Hall, treasurer for 14 years and as president of the Lutheran Brotherhood.
He served the community in many capacities, such as: He helped organize Rantoul Little League under Mayor Hap Parker where he served as an officer for four years and president for two years; played baseball for Flatville Eastern Illinois League for 14 years; was president of Gifford Elevator for 15 years, president of Gifford Lions Club, drainage commissioner for 30 years, precinct committeeman for Compromise Township, treasurer for Champaign County Law Enforcement, council member of Garden of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, Fla., property chairman for two years and a member of the Rantoul Moose Lodge.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Rev. James Lehmann will officiate. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
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