Isaac Franco

Isaac Franco, age 37, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 3, in his Willmar home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Church of St. Mary’s in Willmar. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Isaac Franco was born on July 28, 1984, in Litchfield, Minnesota. He is the son of Jose and Maria (Tello) Franco. He grew up in Litchfield and was baptized at St. Phillip's Catholic Church. After high school he attended Ridgewater College, where he studied Graphic Design.

Isaac’s passion and love for the kitchen and cooking, began when he started working at the Farmer’s Daughter restaurant at the age of 16 as a dishwasher. He developed his skills and worked his way up to become a Chef. Isaac expanded his experience by working in various restaurants such as Perkins, McMillian's, the Green Mill, and most recently at The Oaks. He was the Kitchen Manager and utilized his culinary and managerial skills. He created special menu items to showcase his talent and love of food. He truly loved his career. Apart from his chef capabilities, Isaac enjoyed exercising, running, reading, listening to music, watching football games and TV shows with his family and friends. He was also an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins.

He is survived by the joy of his life, his daughter Maggie (13 years old), his parents, Jose and Maria Franco of Willmar; three siblings, Magda Franco Banaszak (and Christopher Banaszak) of Milwaukee, WI., Claudia (and Gabriel) Becerra of Willmar and Hadrian Franco of Waite Park. He was an adored uncle to several cherished nieces and nephews as well as a dear friend to countless people.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.