Frans Eliason Obituary

Name: Visitation for Frans Eliason
Start: 2014-04-04T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-04-04T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church

Eliason, Frans Passed away unexpectedly, at age 84, on March 22, 2014, in Scottsdale, AZ. Frans (or "Papa" as he was called by his beloved grandchildren) was a strong and successful man, but was more simply, a humble, soft and gentle farm boy originally from Wahoo, Nebraska. Papa looked for and accepted the good in everyone and had a profound impact on all who knew him. Whether other CEO's or the country store clerk, Frans connected with and was embraced by all. Frans is survived by his loving wife and "best friend" Eleanor of 56 years, son Kent (wife Marcia) of Menomonee Falls, daughter Cinda (husband Scott) of LaCrosse, and his 3 grandchildren (Brian, Erik and Brooke). Papa reunites with his first grandchild (Ellen) in Heaven who passed away in 2001. Frans was the 3rd of 4 children raised by Bernard and Yerda Eliason in Swedeburg / Wahoo Nebraska, surviving his sisters Elaine (husband Carl) of Scottsdale, AZ, sister Arlene of Omaha, NE and still loved deeply by his remaining "little sister" Jeannie (husband Ron) of Bella Vista, AR. Frans was a successful insurance company executive who retired in 1986 as President and CEO of Armco Insurance (formerly NN Corp.) headquartered in Milwaukee. After raising his family in Brookfield, Frans and Ellie enjoyed their retirement years between Green Lake, WI and Scottsdale, AZ where they were visited by many friends and families. Frans remained very active in his retirement years on a number of boards including the U.S. Olympic Committee (insurance entity), CPCU (Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriters) and the Thrasher Opera House (Green Lake). Frans loved people and always proudly served up many laughs and beautiful memories along with his world famous "Papa burgers." A visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2014, at Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church, N84 W16707 Menomonee Avenue, Menomonee Falls, from 4 PM until the time of Memorial Service at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the Alzheimers Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Mar. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Frans Eliason

Sponsored by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services.

7 Entries

Nicole Voter

April 4, 2014

Frans and Ellie were both welcoming hosts to a random friend of Cinda's (me). I was privileged to stay in Arizona with them for a sunny spring break. I enjoyed reading Frans's memoir. He also challenged me to a tennis match and beat me (I'm half his age). Cinda and family, you are very fortunate to have had this man as a leader of your family!

Bill Krzyzanek

April 2, 2014

Frans was, in the times I had the privilege of spending with him, always welcoming and showed a genuine interest in his guests. I remember the fun he and Ellie provided for us in Green Lake. I have no doubt that he was a successful businessman and father based what I saw . God will no doubt give him the blessings he has earned in heaven for having been a faithful and loving caregiver to his wife as well.

Bruce Seeds

April 2, 2014

My dad, Bruce W. Seeds, worked for Frans at NN back in the '60s, '70s and '80s. To me and my three siblings growing up in Brookfield, Frans Eliason was a name we'd hear mentioned at the dinner table. I don't know that we kids ever met him, but I know Dad liked Frans. On behalf of my dad (who died in '05), my mom Sue, my brother, and my sisters, we wish only happy memories to Ellie and the Eliason family.

March 31, 2014

We couldn't agree more with the positive thoughts of Frans. We all felt Frans treated everyone the same, with the most sincere positive interaction. He also remembered many details of our family when we would get together, know matter how much time had past. He will be extremely missed by all......Matt & Margie Chorski

March 31, 2014

I'm sure that Dr. Donald Ausman was in line to welcome Frans into heaven and they are either discussing insurance or medicine right now. Because of that relationship, I have lost a good friend. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy Zetzman

John and Donna Stayer

March 31, 2014

From the first introduction as new neighbors in Brookfield in the '60's, the Stayers and Eliasons built a long lasting and memory filled friendship. Frans was always a willing, cheerful, helpful friend and always considerate. He would call just to say Happy Veteran's Day to a fellow vet, or a "come on over and share some time with us". Always thinking of others, he took such joy in his family. His good humor created some of our best stories to tell our friends.. such as reminding John while they were laying sod to remember "green side up". Our sadness is overwhelming.. our pride in knowing Frans everlasting.

Sue Krueger

March 30, 2014

I was so sorry to hear of Franz' unexpected death. He was a regular morning visitor at "The Grocery Bag" when Jim and I were owners and operators. Ellie shared with me some of her prized Annabelle Hydrangea which I enjoy to this day. And most recently, Franz always had a welcoming word as I set foot in the Thrasher Opera House.
Franz made a huge impact on Green Lake, involving himself in the community and making every person he met feel special. Green Lake will miss him.

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