Raymond Lee Franzen

GOLDEN, Ill. -- Raymond Lee Franzen, 88, of Golden, passed away Sunday (June 7, 2015) at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Raymond was born May 30, 1927, in rural Golden, to the late Albert T. and Anna Franzen. He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Golden.

Raymond served his country in the United States Army during World War II. After the service, he went to work for the Fisher Body Division of General Motors in Michigan, retiring after more than 30 years of service.

He was a very active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lansing, Mich., and was their custodian for 13 years. He loved God and his church. Raymond bought a mini farm in Eaton Rapids, Mich., where he restored the old farmhouse and lived for 18 years before moving back to Golden. Raymond and his sister Maralee spent half the year at their home in Arcadia, Fla., and the other half of the year in Golden.

Surviving are one sister, Maralee Franzen of Golden; one nephew, Roger (Doris) Franzen of LaGrange, Mo.; one great-niece, Susan (Larry) Brown of Golden; and two great-nephews, Scott (Tammy) Smith of Camp Point and Mike (Carol) Smith of Mendon.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, three brothers and three nieces.

SERVICES: 1 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Hunter Funeral Home, Golden, with the Rev. Linda Murray conducting.

VISITATION: There will be no visitation, but friends are invited to the services.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Golden or the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lansing, Mich.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hunter Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: www.hunterfh.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.