franzen-robert001.jpgCHATHAM - Father Robert Franzen, retired priest of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, died Oct. 11 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield, age 81.

He was born on June 15, 1927, in Chicago, son of Peter A. and Ann M. Mahler Franzen. He was ordained on May 23, 1953.

Father Franzen served as assistant pastor at St. Aloysius, Springfield, from 1953-1957 and St. Patrick, Alton, from 1957-1958. He served as editor of the diocesan newspaper, Western Catholic, from 1958-1971 and over the years maintained a close connection with the diocesan newspaper and the Catholic press, most recently serving as chair of the Catholic Times Advisory Board.

Father Franzen served as diocesan master of ceremonies and chaplain at St. John's Sanitarium, Springfield, from 1960-1968. He was pastor of St. Barbara, Witt, from 1968-1969; St. Aloysius, Springfield, from 1969-1990; and St. Joseph, Chatham, from 1990-2002. He served as parochial administrator at St. Joseph in Chatham from 2002 until his retirement from active ministry in 2007.

Father Franzen was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Father Raymond Franzen and Father Peter Franzen; two sisters, Loretta Adams and Helen Feulner.

He is survived by a sister, Marie Jarmul of Clarendon Hills; several nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

The funeral Mass was Oct. 16 at St. Joseph Church in Chatham, with Bishop George J. Lucas and priests of the diocese concelebrating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Parish, Chatham; St. Aloysius Parish, Springfield; or the Loretto Home of the Hospital Sisters, Springfield.

Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.