Kenneth Franzen

Kenneth (Kenny) M. Franzen, 84, of Baxter, MN died on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at Essentia Health/St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. Funeral Services for Kenneth will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 11:00AM at Church of the Nazarene in Brainerd, MN with Pastor Ruth Mayer officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be held at Vaale Cemetery in Brainerd, MN.

Kenny loved God, life, family and friends dearly and honestly. He had a wonderful gift of playing his guitar and singing. He loved sharing his gift of music with others by volunteering the last 20 years at many senior centers with his band sharing music and dance for those he loved so dearly. He was a member of the Church of Nazarene in Baxter MN. Proud veteran of the US Armed Forces. Member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft workers at the age of 17 (June 1947). Kenny worked as a self-employed contractor for over 50 years. He surrounded himself with many, many wonderful friends they all meant the world to him. Sitting in the sun and growing his tomatoes was a big part of happiness for him. He always had a smile and a hug for everyone he would meet.

Kenneth is survived by his wife; Dorothy M. (Olive) Franzen of Brainerd, MN; daughter, Peggy Franzen (fiancé, Dan O'Neil) of Brainerd, MN; a very special nephew & niece, Michael & Rosemary Franzen of Baxter, MN; his sister, Christine Knapp of Dayton, IO; 4 grandchildren, Krystal (Eberly) Hardy & Adam Hardy of Sartell, MN, Gregory Eberly Jr. of Crosby, MN, Michael Williams and Steven Williams of St Joe, MN; 4 great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; and 5 sisters. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.