Robert Fransen

Robert "Bob" J. Fransen, age 90, of Willmar, died Friday morning, July 17 at the Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home in Willmar surrounded by loved ones.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the Church Of St. Mary in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Association are suggested.

Robert Julius Fransen was born August 14, 1924, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Julius and Ruby (Selin) Fransen. He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in England for three years during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he married Dorothy Essendrup on January 16, 1946. He opened a Dixie Cream donut shop in Willmar and later worked for Burlington Northern Railroad. During retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, bread baking, Christmas cooking, and travel, including many winters in Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two daughters, Sandra Christianson of St. Cloud and Jan (and Curt) Wussow of Minnetonka; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Bette Fransen; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, David Fransen; a sister, Margaret Arneson; and a son-in-law, John Christianson.

Cemetery Details