Lorin Arthur Fransen

Funeral services for Lorin Fransen, age 87, of Milaca, will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 11 AM at Glendorado Lutheran Church with Rev. Barb Peterson officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca with military honors provided by Hansen-Hayes American Legion Post #178 & Siemers-Hakes VFW Post #10794. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 PM Tuesday at Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home in Milaca with a prayer service at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Lorin Arthur Fransen was born May 6, 1927 to Harry and Linnea (Johnson) Fransen in Chicago, IL and was baptized on August 4, 1927. He grew up on the family farm east of Milaca with his mother, father and three brothers and attended District #52 Country School through the 8thgrade. He went to Sunday School, Confirmation and worship, surrounded by his family, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Bock. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1945 and served aboard USS Rolette and received the WWII Victory Medal. After completing his service, he returned home to help operate the family farm. Lorin was united in marriage to Hilda Dietz on September 11, 1949 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Milaca, where they were members for forty years and then supported the ministry of their daughter, Pastor Barb, for fifteen years at Emanuel Lutheran in Bock and thirteen years at Gethsemane Lutheran in Foley. Lorin worked for Land O’ Lakes and then for Northern Ordinance in Fridley, until he purchased the family farm in 1956. Together, Lorin and Hilda operated the dairy farm for over 40 years. Lorin loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He was most content working on the farm with his son, David. He loved farming and his animals. Lorin and Hilda enjoyed going dancing and playing cards with neighborhood friends. He also loved hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. For the past six years, because of his declining health, Lorin has lived at Milaca Elim Home, where he was cared for by their marvelous staff. He passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Lorin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hilda; son, David (Wendy) Fransen of Milaca; four daughters, Pastor Barb Peterson, Susan Swanson, Connie (Steve) Jacobson and Carol (Myron) Mollet all of Milaca; fifteen grandchildren, Lisa DeMars, Mike Nelson, Katrina Peschl, Breck Swanson, Mark Fransen, Kate Swanson, Peter Swanson, Julie Flom, Andrea Huss, Jessica Piatt, Kristine VanDriel, Andy Piatt, Kirk Mollet, Alex Peterson and Kendra Mollet; fifteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Gene (Betty) Fransen of Isle and John (Dean) Fransen of Milaca; also by many cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Linnea; brother, Roger Fransen; son-in-law, Bob Piatt and grandson, Brannon Swanson.