George C. Franzen, 91, passed away on June 10, 2009 at the Bishop Noa Home, where he had resided for the last year.  He was born on October 31, 1917 in Wausaukee, Wisconsin, the son of George and Ethel (Swan) Franzen.  He grew up in the Crivitz, Wisconsin area, where he graduated from High School in 1935.  After high school,

George worked as a page for the Wisconsin State Assembly, cut timber with his father and brothers, and joined the National Youth Administration program.  In 1940 he enlisted in the U. S. Army (Regular) and served with the Army Air Corps in Europe during WWII.  After his discharge in 1945, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received a degree in Political Science.  He also studied French, journalism, physics, and astronomy.  On November 30, 1946 he married Florence M. Cox, a physical education teacher from Holcombe, Wisconsin.  Before deciding on a career, he worked for Oscar Meyer Packing, Wisconsin Central Airlines, and the State of Wisconsin.  In 1952 he began working for the Social Security Administration, serving in various positions in Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan, including District Manager assignments in Marquette and Detroit. During his working years, he was very active in the Marquette and Detroit-East Rotary Clubs, and served terms as President at both locations. After retiring in 1977, he lived in Wisconsin, New Mexico, and Florida, before settling in the Escanaba area in 1988. He traveled extensively and especially enjoyed visiting his many friends in Malaysia in 1998.  He also enjoyed auto mechanics, carpentry, reading, and growing trees.
 
George C. Franzen is survived by his son John (Kristine) Franzen of Bark River; Granddaughter Johanna Franzen of Ann Arbor; brother Carl (Dorothy); sister Edith Franzen; sisters-in-law Mary, Janet, and Helen Franzen; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends across the U.S. and in southeast Asia.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Florence in 1977, and his brothers Frederic, Albert, and William.  In keeping with George’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.  Burial took place at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in King on June 12 with military honors.  Skradski-Boyce Funeral Homes of Delta County is assisting the family.