William "Bill" Franzen
October 27, 1937 — January 18, 2018
William "Bill" M Franzen, 80, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died January 18, 2018 at his home with his daughter by his side.
Bill was born October 27, 1937 in Imperial, NE, son of William M, Sr. and Lillian (Elliston) Franzen.
Bill attended school at Gothenburg and excitedly joined the Navy on his 17th birthday. He married Verona Schipper on June 15, 1968. They lived in Sioux Falls, SD for many years. Bill proudly served in the US Navy from 1954 until 1975. During his 20 years of service, he was stationed on several ships including the USS McDermut, USS Bridget, USS Canberra, USS Joseph Strauss, USS Brownson, and USS Long Beach. He was a senior chief gunner's mate and enjoyed also serving as a Navy Recruiter. After his Navy retirement, he worked primarily in various jobs in sales. Bill moved back to the Gothenburg area in 1996 and enjoyed spending his time playing cards, having coffee and telling tales with his friends. He was honored to be a member of the Dawson County Hero Flight Spring, 2016.
Surviving are daughter, Pamela (Jason) Drake of Gothenburg, NE, sister, Marj Plank of Gothenburg, NE, sister, Marilyn (Don) Brockman of Bermuda Dunes, CA; sister-in-law Dianne Franzen Lexington; along with nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by father, William M Franzen, mother, Lillian Franzen Aden; his wife Verona Franzen; brother, Kent Franzen, and brother-in-law Bob Plank.
Memorial Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 11:00 am with Pastor Carol Mapa officiating.
Inurnment will take place in Fort McPherson National Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be given to the Zion Lutheran Church 77191 HWY 47, Gothenburg, NE 69138 or Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department 602 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138.