Rodney Franzen
February 28, 1961 — March 8, 2008
Rodney é�a��A"Rodé�a��? Mark Franzen, 47 of Gothenburg passed away on March 8, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family.
Rodney Mark Franzen was born on February 28, 1961 to Lyle and Arlene (Gronewold) Franzen at Gothenburg, Nebraska. Rod grew up in Gothenburg and attended Gothenburg Public Schools. He Graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1979.
On May 31, 1979 Rod married his High School Sweetheart Ruthie Chatfield at the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg. To this union three sons were born; Aaron, Luke and Alex. Rod always took great pride in his three boys.
Rod owned and operated Rod Franzen Construction in Gothenburg. He took great pride in his work always making sure that his craftsmanship was done to the best of his abilities. He also took pride in making sure he was fair to his customers.
Rod was a member of the Gothenburg Rotary, the Gothenburg Planning and Zoning Committee and a 24 year member of the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed officiating Football Games of which he did for 22 years. Rod loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He also enjoyed cooking and spending time with family and friends. Recently Rod fulfilled a lifetime dream with the purchase of some river ground to pass on the family hunting heritage to his children and grandchildren.
Rod is survived by his loving wife Ruthie of Gothenburg, NE; three sons, Aaron of Stillwater, OK; Luke and his wife Bailey of Bellevue, NE; Alex of Lincoln, NE; his first Grandson due in June; his parents Lyle and Arlene Franzen of Gothenburg, NE; three brothers, Gary and his wife Trudy of Sacramento, CA; Tim and his wife Cindy of Gothenburg, NE; David and his wife Becky of Lincoln, NE; and a host of other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his Grandparents John and Goldie Franzen and Art and Martha Gronewold.
Visitation will be held 11-8 Mon. March 10 w/ Family present from 6-8 pm at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 11 , 2008 American Lutheran Church Gothenburg, Nebraska with Pastor Matthew Groenke and Lonna Grabenstien, PMA officiating.
Burial will take place at a Later Date.
Memorials are suggested to the American Lutheran Church Kitchen Fund and the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department Equipment Fund.