Esther Franzen

Esther Franzen 87 of Odell, NE., passed away October 3, 2013 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln. She was born September 21, 1926 at Odell, NE. to John & Caroline Bartels.
She was baptized on October 3, 1926 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church by Rev. J. V. Kauffeld. She attended grade school in the Odell area and parochial school at Bethlehem Lutheran School of Bremen and was confirmed on March 17, 1940 by Rev. J. V. Kauffeld. She was married to Edward Franzen on December 25, 1951 at Our Savior Lutheran Church by Rev. Armin Gottberg. This union was blessed with four sons; Gene, Roger, Gary and James. She lived most of her life in and around Odell except for 7 years; 1959 to 1966 when the family lived in Beatrice. She had many jobs but mostly she worked as a waitress and 19 1/2 years at BSDC from which she retired on September 12, 1987. After retirement she enjoyed gardening, reading, crafts and sewing.

Survivors are Sons: Gene Franzen & friend Marilyn Taylor of Beatrice, NE., Roger Franzen & Wife Dianne of Beatrice, NE., Gary Franzen & Wife Jolene of Fairbury, NE., James Franzen & Wife Kimberly of Plymouth, NE., 11 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren, 6 Step Grandchildren, 21 Step Great Grandchildren, 9 Step Great Great Grandchildren, Brother: Delbert Bartels & Wife Shirley of Blue Springs, NE., Sister: Lorna Troxel of Wymore, NE., Sisters-in-law: Patricia Bartels of Beatrice, Olga Franzen of Beatrice.

She was preceeded in death by her husband, Edward Franzen in 1992; One granddaughter Jennifer in 1980, her parents, John and Caroline Bartels; Stepmother, Martha Bartels and 5 brothers; Gilbert, Edgar, Edwin, Harold and Wilmer.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday October 8, 2013 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell, with Pastor Greg Stuckwisch officiating. Burial at the Odell Cemetery – Odell, NE. Viewing will be Sunday and Monday from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Odell.