Albert George Franzen, 88, of Glasgow Montana passed away August 10, 2019 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital.
Albert was born September 7, 1930 to John and Alma (Willer) Franzen at Anna Chester’s Boarding House in Hinsdale, Montana. He attended school in Hinsdale for six years and then in Glasgow when his family moved there. He went to work for his sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Clarence Fuhrman.
Albert joined the Army in 1948, serving in the Army Reserves. He was called to active duty in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. He completed his GED while serving his country. After returning from Korea he went back to work for Clarence and Charlotte. While working for them he met the love of his life, Doris Johnston. The couple married July 1, 1954.
That fall he went to work for Wagenhal’s Electric. Albert worked for several electric shops and earned his Master Electrician License. In 1982, he went into business with his brother-in-law, Bud Johnston, together they opened Glasgow Electric. He retired in 1993 to enjoy his family.
His family started with the birth of Rollie in 1955, 360 days later Brenda came along. Over the next twelve years the family grew to a total of eight children: Ann, Sharon, Louise, Linda, Bridger (Albert was so glad to get another boy) and Theresa.
In 1961, Albert and Doris decided to build a home for their ever growing family. They constructed a beautiful bedroom and one bath house for ten people. The second bathroom wasn’t added until most of the kids had moved out on their own. Once the children moved out there was no need for a five bedroom home, so the couple moved to town in 1988. Their new home was a fixer-upper that they remodeled to reflect Albert’s many talents.
Albert and Doris enjoyed many happy retirement years with family and friends. One highlight was traveling to China with their son and daughter-in-law. He was a creative card player and taught his children to cheat. We never play for money. It was all for fun! He was a member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, VFW Post 3107, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 233 and 8 th District Union, Valley County Mosquito Board and Friends Of The Pioneer Museum.
He left this world a very happy man feeling blessed by his beautiful family!
Albert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris; children Rollie (Lorie) Franzen of Henderson, Nevada, Brenda (Butch) Leckie of Glasgow, Montana, Ann (Tim) Potter of Glasgow, Montana, Sharon (Nick) Thelen of Kenmare, North Dakota, Louise (Clem) Lemieux of Glasgow, Montana, Linda (Jimmy) Kuich of Spanaway, Washington, Bridger (Thelma) Franzen of Henderson, Nevada and Theresa (Allen) Sevareid of Belgrade, Montana; 22 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma; brothers, Bill Franzen, Tom and Virgil Barnett; sister, Charlotte Fuhrman; infant sister, Dorothy Franzen and grandson, Derek Leckie.
Albert’s family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Albert’s memory to Friends Of The Pioneer Museum, VFW Post # 3107, Valley County Hope Project or St. Vincent’s Health Care Foundation in Billings.