James R. Franzen

James Robert Franzen, age 81, of Dodgeville, passed away on April 7, 2013 at his home in the loving embrace of his family. Jim was born in Red Oak township Highland, WI to James L.and Viola (Delkamp) Franzen on November 12, 1931. He was a 1949 graduate of Highland High School and then attended Platteville University for a short period. He returned to Highland marrying Alice (Doyle) on October 30, 1954 at St. Phillips Catholic Church. Jim was employed at the Oconomowoc Canning Company in Cobb as a foreman. In 1963, he began a 26 year career with Dick's Supermarket, Platteville as Manager. In 1968, Dick Brodbeck purchased the Abdoo grocery store on Main Street in Dodgeville, asking Jim to move his family to Dodgeville and act as Manager. Jim remained as Manager until 1989 at which time he joined his son at Franzen Motors. He enjoyed working side by side with his son, Dan. He retired in 1997. Jim was very active in all aspects of his community. He was a volunteer coach for many of his son's little league baseball and basketball teams. He was also active in the Boy Scouts acting as a Den Leader. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he served on the St. Joseph's Parish Council and in the Knights of Columbus of which he was named a lifetime member in 2009. He was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was very proud to be a 4th Degree and the many activities associated with the Knights. It saddened him to step back due to declining health. Jim's civic duties ran deep. He was a member of the Dodgeville Fire Department, Dodgeville Chamber of Commerce, Lion's Club, in which he served as President, and was also named Lion of the Year for leadership and dedication. Through his employer's sponsorship, he was an avid supporter of the Dodgeville Home Talent Baseball Team. Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Alice; his children, Jackie (Dennis) LeCaptain, of Janesville, Ann (Ed) Willie, of Dodgeville, Terri (Michael) Lee, of Darlington, Patrick (Lisa) Franzen, of Middleton, and Dan Franzen, of Fall River; seven grandchildren, Amy (Charlie) Altenbach, of Chicago, Melissa (Michael) Sheppard, of Mequon, Patrick (Katie) Lee, of Wauwatosa, Brady (Amber) Lee, of Dubuque, Nick (Katie) Willie, of Dodgeville, Erin (Cody) Willie, of Platteville and Alexandra Franzen, of Middleton; three step-grandchildren, Kyle, Kailey and Colleen LeCaptain; seven great-grandchildren, Brenna & Charlie Altenbach, Davis & Diana Sheppard, LaKota Klein, Aurora Willie, & Mason Michael Lee due on April 22; his sister, Janet (Wesley) Gratz, Highland. He is further survived by his in-laws, Eileen Penasa, Ruth (David) McNeill, Jack Doyle, Nancy Doyle, and Judy (Jim) Myers. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Steve and Mary Doyle, his brothers and sisters-in-law; Peter Penasa, Ann Doyle, Kenneth and Kathy Doyle, Patrick Doyle, Earl and Joyce Fecht and other relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2013 at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Father Patrick Wendler will officiate. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass on Friday at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Burial will be held at St. Philip's Catholic Cemetery in Highland. A luncheon will follow at Ss. Phillip/Anthony Parish Center in Highland. We wish to thank the Upland Hills Hospice team especially Amber. Those who live no more, whom we loved, echo still within our thoughts, our words, our hearts. We love you Dad.

James R. Franzen

November 12, 1931 - April 7, 2013