Brian Franzen

Brian Franzen, 75, of Spicer, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Country Manor in Sartell surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

A private family burial will be on Tuesday, May 21, at Fairview Cemetery. A celebration of Brian’s life will be held at Foxhole Brewery on Thursday, June 20, from 4pm to 8pm. Memorials are preferred to the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org.

Brian Curtis Franzen was born December 18, 1948, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Harold and Aldora (Lindblad) Franzen. He grew up in Svea, attended Svea Elementary School, and graduated from Willmar High School in 1966. On June 20, 1970, he was united in marriage to his best friend and love of his life, Beverly Riemer at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. They spent the next several years in Colorado. Shortly after the birth of their son, Jared, they returned to Minnesota. Two years later their daughter Julie was born. They built and lived in their first home on the Lindblad farm near Svea and later in homes that Brian built on Eagle Lake, George Lake, and their current home on Green Lake. Each of these homes showcased his ability to envision and create a landscaping masterpiece. He especially enjoyed picking out and planting a variety of hostas to off set Bev’s “way too many hydrangeas.”

Brian worked as a heavy equipment operator for 45 years and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. He owned and operated Franzen Excavating from 1972 to 1986. He later worked for Vreeman Construction, Duininck Inc., C.S. McCrossan, and retired from Stai Trucking and Excavating in 2017. Even after his retirement Brian couldn’t give up his passion for a shovel, always finding something to dig in the yard.

He was a member of Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar, American Legion Post #545 in Spicer for 50 years and was a former member of the Willmar Jaycees. He spent his free time playing softball, hunting, fishing, golfing, woodworking and scuba diving with his son Jared. He enjoyed lake living and watching the sunsets, eagles and loons. Brian and Bev vacationed in Arizona for 22 years and most recently on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Brian will be remembered for being a hard worker, an exceptional provider, and a proud husband, Dad, Grandpa and Papa. He was lovingly referred to as the families “baby hog” and “lawn weenie”. He was known for his sense of humor and his witty remarks. He had a love for animals, especially his Chloe.

Brian is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bev; his daughter: Julie (Scott) Kastner of Spicer, MN; his grandchildren: Brianna (Kole) Kastner of Willmar, MN, Austin Kastner of Spicer, MN, and Ian Kastner of Spicer, MN; and his great-grandchildren: Hadley Armstrong, Laikyn Winters, and Nolan Winters. He is also survived by a brother: Brad (Bonnie) Franzen; several nieces and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister: Bonnie Grund; and his beloved son: Jared in 1990.