Tom Franzen, 73, of Litchfield, died on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, with his wife and daughters by his side at Barnes Jewish Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis.
Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Methodist Church of Mt. Olive. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following. The Rev. Dr. Tony Bell of Bethlehem UMC in Claremont, NC, will be presiding and Pastor Kevin Simburger of Methodist Church of Mt. Olive, assisting. Interment will be private with his family at a later time.
Mr. Franzen was born on June 28, 1951, in Litchfield, a son of William “Bill” and Rosezella “Doll” Franzen. He was a graduate of Mt. Olive High School Class of 1969 and attended McKendree College. He was a proud Mt. Olive native. He married the former Karen Coatney on Oct. 6, 1972, and they were married 52 years.
Mr. Franzen stepped into the insurance industry where he found a lifelong passion spanning nearly 50 years. He served as vice president and a principal of Scheller Insurance Agency, Inc. for nearly 40 years. He continued to enjoy his role as president of Thomas F. Franzen and Co. Insurance and Risk Management consulting firm.
Mr. Franzen enjoyed sharing his skillset and insights through numerous civic and volunteer roles such as being a Board member of HSHS St. Francis Hospital, serving as chairman for four years, and former chairman and vice-chairman of Litchfield Economic Development Coalition. He was a valued member of the board of directors for First National Bank of Litchfield for over 20 years and a long-time consultant to the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association.
He was a proud member of Litchfield Antlers Club, Litchfield Country Club, Alpha Kappa Tau Fraternity, Society of Certified Insurance Counselors and Risk and Insurance Management Society.
Mr. Franzen was happiest when riding through life on his motorcycle, swinging a golf club, hunting, fishing and making memories with his beloved family. His faith was of the utmost importance to him. He never met a stranger and loved conversations with anyone he encountered. He was a cherished man known for his kindness, caring and humor.
Mr. Franzen is survived by his wife, Karen; two daughters, Jennifer (Jeff) Franzen-Ballard of Hazel Green, AL, and Sarah Franzen of Normal; three grandsons, Jeffrey Franzen, Chase (Jordan) Ballard and Matthew Ballard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, many aunts and uncles and his good friend and dog, Jack.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Methodist Church of Mt. Olive or doing something kind for someone, as doing so was in his very nature. To sign the online guestbook, light a virtual candle, or for directions, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
