Leonard Franzen

Leonard Eugene Franzen, 95, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died September 13, 2023, at Hilltop Estates, in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born November 27, 1927 in Gothenburg, NE, son of M.G. and Helen Franzen.

Leonard grew up in the Gothenburg area and attended Etna School and 81 R schools before graduating from Gothenburg High School. Leonard married Esther Marie Jensen on February 22, 1948 at Gothenburg. She preceded him in death on October 18, 1952.  He then married Marye Lou Jensen on May 26, 1953 at Gothenburg. Leonard spent his life farming and ranching in the Gothenburg/Brady area.

Survivors include daughter, Wenda (David) Keiser of Gothenburg; Five Sons, Darwin Franzen of San Antonio, TX; Eldon (Susan) Franzen of North Platte; James (Barbara) Franzen of Gothenburg; Bryce (Melany) Franzen of Aurora; Bryan (Brande) Franzen of Brady; two sisters, Lola Jean Widholm and Lynette (Ed) McPherson, 25 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. 

Leonard was preceded in death by wives, Esther Marie and Marye Lou, his parents, M.G. and Helen, his brother Leigh and his wife Anne Franzen and brother-in-law Andy Widholm.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE, Monday, September 18, 2023, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, with family present from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at American Lutheran Church, 1512 Ave G, Gothenburg, NE; September 19, 2023 at 10:00 am with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad Officiating.  

Burial will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, NE.

Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, 602 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138, or the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at the American Lutheran Church, 1512 Ave G, Gothenburg, NE.