Robert Franzen

Robert Donald “Bob” Franzen, 84, of Lewiston died Monday, February 20, 2023 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse. Bob was born December 30, 1938 in Festina, Iowa to Hugo and Irene (Ehler) Franzen. He lived with his family as they farmed in the Festina area. In 1951 they moved to his uncle’s farm near Lanesboro, before moving to Fremont in 1955. Bob married the love of his life, JoAnn Rinn April 27, 1957, and made their home at his uncle’s Lanesboro farm.

The couple eventually made their home in Winona, where Bob worked as a foreman at Fiberite. In March of 1973 they moved to Lewiston, where they farmed on the farm they bought. In his retirement years Bob delivered papers on a rural route. Through his example, Bob instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He valued honesty and truthfulness, and was a generous and loving man.

Bob cherished being with family. He enjoyed deer hunting with family, and treasured the day he shot his first deer in 1960. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, squirrel hunting, pitching fast-pitch softball and casino trips. He grew up cheering for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Bears.

Survivors include his wife JoAnn, children; Laurie (Charles) Clobes of Lewiston, Gary Franzen of Dover, Randy (Deb) Franzen of Lewiston, Mick Franzen of Lewiston, Kevin (Cher) Franzen of Rushford, Patty (Sean) Sannes of Lewiston, and Carol (Chad) Odegaard of Stockton, grandchildren, Adam (Ashley) Franzen, Ethan (Riette) Franzen; Owen (Alexis), Logan, Ellie, and Tanner Sannes; Riley & Cailin Odegaard; Bryan (Julia), Daniel (Jenn) & Michael Clobes; Jacob (Ashley) & Jarod (Melanie) Franzen; Jennifer (Dustin) Pagel, Eric Franzen, Alyssa (Zach) Thompson, Emily (Lucas) Herd, Emily Hamman, Amanda (Tim Annear) Franzen, Amy (Ben) Vanderzee, Amber (Casey) Stemper, Mariah & Marissa (Ethan Rislov) Franzen, and 25 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Also his siblings, Mary Lou (John) Engler, Richard (Rosemary) Franzen, Jean Ann Keane, Duane (Vicki) Franzen and Hugo “JR” Franzen, sisters and brother-in-law, Janice Dornfeld, Dan (Diane) Rinn, Paulette (Duane) Kinneberg, Mary, Caroline and Shirley Rinn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Irene (Ehler), Franzen, brother and best friend Gerald (Jerry), in -laws, Richard and Alpha (Peterson) Rinn, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Lawrence, Susan, Allen, Gerald Rinn, and Cheryl Meyer.

 A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with the Reverend Chinnappa Pothireddy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, February 27th from 4-7 p.m. and one hour before services all at the church. Hoff Funeral Service of Lewiston is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials are preferred to the Lewiston Cancer Support Group and Lewiston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Service. www.hofffuneral.com.