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8800 North Alpine Road
Machesney Park, Illinois
Beverly Franzen Obituary
Beverly Jean Franzen, 89, of Loves Park passed away peacefully on April 15, 2018. She was born November 4, 1928, in Rockford, Illinois to Violet M. (Nelson) and Ralph E. Engstrom. Her mother died when she was eight. Her father married Judith Mork and she became her "Mom." She graduated from East High School in 1946, and from the Evangelical Free Church Bible Institute in Chicago in 1948. She worked for the Rockford Board of Education as an elementary school secretary until starting to raise her family. She married George W. Franzen on April 27, 1951, in Rockford. They lived in Rockton for 49 years. He predeceased her on October 28, 2000. She grew up attending First Evangelical Free Church and was involved in the early years of Hope Evangelical Free Church of Roscoe. Since 1976, she has been a member of City First Church where she served on the funeral luncheon committee and Homebound Ministries. She enjoyed puzzles and working in the garden for many years at Sunset Christian Life Retirement Home where she lived since December 2002. Survived by her children, Gary (Karen) Franzen, David (Denise) Franzen, Karen Moore; grandchildren, Zachary Moore, Tiffany Buss, Jacob Moore; brother, Rev. R. Wesley (Carol) Engstrom; sister, Kathleen (Jeffery) Munson. Predeceased by her parents; spouse, George; stepmother, Judith Holmertz.
Funeral service at 4 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, with visitation from 3 p.m. until time of service. Private family burial at a later date in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To share a condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Beverly Franzen
Sponsored by Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens - Machesney Park.
Zach Moore
May 1, 2018
You were the best grandma love you
Erhardt + Leimer Inc
April 24, 2018
Our thoughts are with the Franzen family. Erhardt+Leimer Inc has made a donation in her name to City First Church.
Rev. Dennis & Ruth Abbott
April 20, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Bev. We were Chaplains at the CLRC Retirement Center when she moved in there. Also attended church with her at City First (Rockford A/G). Precious lady and friend. We know we will see her again and what a reunion that will be someday. George must be excited to see her.
Carol Correnti & Heidi
April 18, 2018
To Beverly's family: I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful lady. I didn't know her very well but she lived down the hall from my apartment. She always had a smile for you, and said hello, and she would always pet my dog Heidi. We would set at the puzzle table and visit. She will surely be missed.
Margaret (Peg) Hayelan
April 18, 2018
I was very sorry to learn today about your mother's death. I think our friendship with your mom and dad began about 1955 or 56 when we were building our home in Rockton and your dad was the manager at Rockton Lumber and Supply. I particularly remember attending Bible studies at your home and your parents were very hospitable. Your dad was an excellent violinist and I had the pleasure to accompany him when he provided a solo at our church. I extend my sympathy to your family. Margaret (Peg) Hayelan
Mark + Dina Hanstad
April 18, 2018
Gary, Karen, and family: She was a beautiful lady inside and out. Truly a positive influence in our lives when we were starting out our married life. We loved her and George so much. We cannot be at the funeral, but our hearts will be with you.
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Memorial Events
for Beverly Franzen
Apr
20
Visitation
3:00 p.m.
Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens - Machesney Park8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115
Apr
20
Funeral service
4:00 p.m.
Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens - Machesney Park8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115
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Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens - Machesney Park8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115
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