Freda A. Strickland Franzen, 90, of Elwood Nov. 22, 2002, at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood.

She was born July 31, 1912, in Curtis to Alvin and Anna Remus Strickland. She attended school in Moorefield graduating in 1930. She pursued her postgraduate education at Kearney State College where she received her teaching certificate. She enjoyed teaching for many years in rural grade schools. In between teaching assignments, she owned and operated a cafe in Farnam.

Returning to college in the late 1960’s she received her teaching degree. She returned after several years of teaching rural grade school in Willow Island.

On May 25, 1940, she married John Franzen at Elwood and they lived on a farm east of Farnam until 1958 when they purchased a home in Farnam. Her husband preceded her in death Feb. 3, 1971. She enjoyed keeping herself very busy with flowers. She always had a large garden until she could no longer take care of it. She especially enjoyed her grandkids, always playing games and baking birthday cakes. She also enjoyed to crochet and made many beautiful things.

Mrs. Franzen was a member of the Farnam Methodist Church.

Survivors include her son, Donnie (Sandy) Franzen of Elwood; three grandsons, Steven (Jacki) Franzen of Omaha, Scott (Melissa) Franzen of Kearney and Timothy (Trisha) Franzen of Hickman; and two great grandchildren, Noah and Kealey.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a sister, Elsie Lenz.

Memorials are suggested to Elwood Care Center or Donor’s Choice.

Graveside services are 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Farnam Cemetery with the Rev. Dennis “Buck” Linton-Hendrick officiating. Burial is in the Farnam Cemetery.

Visitation is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Blase Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg.

The North Platte Telegraph