Frans Baggerman

BINGHAMTON, NY Frans Baggerman entered his eternal rest free of pain and feeling the love of his family and friends on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Born in Den Haag, Netherlands, in the spring of 1954 to Pratoem and Martinus Baggerman, Frans and his family immigrated to the United States in May, 1960 and moved to Hanover to begin their lives in America. In his youth, he sold the Grit newspaper and snowcones and worked for Hanover Brands, Inc. He graduated from Southwestern H.S. in 1972. He worked and saved to afford attending college. He attended York College, then transferred to Mansfield University, where he graduated in 1979 with a BA in Psychology. At Mansfield, he met his best friend and future wife, Ellen. Together they moved to Binghamton, N.Y., and raised a beautiful family. Frans worked for Stickley-Siver, Palmer Graphic Arts, GE Richards, Daterose, and IBM. He adored his children and supported them through volunteering with Boy Scout Troop 152 and attending musical concerts, swimming, cross-country, baseball, softball ,and football games. He proudly watched as each of his children graduated from college. He enjoyed working on his home and gardens. A self-taught guitarist, he played electric and acoustic guitar and had recently taught himself the banjo. Together, he and Ellen attended innumerable concerts by a wide variety of rock, blues, folk, jazz and bluegrass artists. He followed both the Mets and Giants with hope for their success. He played golf, traveled, and enjoyed trying new foods and spending evenings by a bonfire. His love of music and his friends and family were his sustenance in life. He was predeceased by his father, Martinus, and his father-in-law, Roger King. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ellen, and their three children: their son, Stephen and his wife, Jennifer Baggerman, and daughter, Brynn; their daughter, Sara and her fiance, Jesus Chaparro, and their son, Michael and girlfriend, Jenna Bloom. He is also survived by his mother, Pratoem (Jenny) and her husband, Kenneth Becker; his brother, Martin and his wife, Linda; his brother, Leendert (Len); his sister, Paula and her wife, Debi; mother-in-law, Kaththleen King; brother-in-law, Lee King; sister-in-law, Beth-Anne and her husband, Paul Myers; and nephews, Jacob Baggerman, and Chase and Joshua Myers. He is also survived by his furry pal and kindred sprit, Lewis, who remained at his side until the end. His family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Ronald Harris and the wonderful staff at Broome Oncology, and the staffs at Wilson Hospital and Lourdes Hospice for their compassionate care. A celebration of his life will be held on January 12, 2015, in Binghamton, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Frans' memory. Donations can be made by mail to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Attn: Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. To make a donation by phone 1-800-822-6344. Please include Fund Code #37494244.