Kenneth Joseph Franzen, age 88 of Apple Valley, MN passed away peacefully July 31, 2025. Preceded in Death by his wife Mary Jane, parents Leo and Clara.  Siblings Norbert, Stanley, Leona, Dennis.

Survived by brother Don. Children Kenneth Jr. (Barbie), Nancy (Ray), Suzi (Dave), Tracy (Steve), Wenda (Keith), grandchildren Melissa (Jake), Josiah, Nathan (Sydney), Kodi (Sean), John, Brandon (Ashley), Mason (Amerie), Hunter, Skylar, Chancellor (Emma).  Great grandchildren Mia, Eli, Lexi, William, Lewis, Greyson, Wyatt, Benjamin.

Ken was born August 24th, 1936 in St Lucas IA where he worked on the family farm.  He attended catholic school where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. After graduating high school in 1954 he moved to Minneapolis and purchased "The West Bar."  He attended night school at St Paul Technical College where he studied Advanced Transportation.  While attending school he started his career at the Soo Line Railroad were worked for 42 years.   On August 1, 1959 he married the love of his life Mary Jane, they were married for 60 years.

Ken enjoyed coaching little baseball and softball for his children.  He loved camping and fishing at Noki Lake in northern Minnesota.  Which led him to purchase a cabin on Big Pine Lake. After retiring from the Soo Line Railroad in 1997 he spent his winters in Bushnell Florida playing cards and Bingo.  He also enjoyed shuffleboard and fishing in the Gulf.

After his wife passed in 2019 he moved to Orchard Path Assisted Living in Apple Valley.  As he needed more assistance he then moved to Apple Valley Villa, and then to The Fountains in Lakeville.  At these locations he enjoyed making new friends and daily activities like bingo and playing cards. Ken went to be with the Lord July 31, 2025.  May he rest in God's beautiful peace.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM on August 27, 2025 at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 1501 East County Road 42., Burnsville, MN 55306 with a visitation from 10:00am-11:00am, with a lunch following Mass. Private interment, Lebanon Cemetery Apple Valley, MN.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com