Marie Franson passed away the morning of Sunday, May 29, 2022. She was surrounded by family in her final days. Marie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother during her incredible 97 years. She was blessed to live independently in her own home until just a few weeks ago.
Marie had a long and full life. She was born on January 21, 1925, in the rural Longford area to two loving parents, Daniel and Emma Bach. She was the youngest of her siblings-Clifford, Eva, and Claudine-who doted on her while growing up, and Marie enjoyed close relationships with them and their families throughout her life. She spent her younger years on the family farm surrounded by extended family and had fond memories of both of her grandfathers, August Bach and Christian Bletscher, who lived in the household at different times when she was a child. Marie attended rural grade school in Longford and graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1942.
Marie married Blake Franson in March of 1945 in Clay Center. They settled on the Franson farm north of town in Garfield Township. Marie moved to Clay Center in 1975 after Blake’s passing in 1973. She worked outside of the home throughout most of her life, including Lincoln Heights grocery store and at Gibson ‘s, where she served as assistant manager until her retirement in her mid-seventies.
Marie was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and had a strong faith that guided her throughout her life. She was a talented seamstress, and she enjoyed sewing clothing and quilts, as well as embroidery and craft work. Marie loved to play card games with friends and family and passed down her competitive nature to many of her descendants. Marie spoiled her family with her amazing cooking, and she loved nothing more than ignoring all protests while pushing an extra helping of dinner or an extra scoop of ice cream onto her grandkids. She enjoyed going to coffee with friends, traveling, reading, gardening, and­ watching the birds and squirrels in her backyard. Above all, she loved spending time with family.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Blake Franson, her stepson, Gary Franson, her daughter­ in-law, Linda Franson, and her great-granddaughter, Morgan Leigh Fajen. She is survived and missed by her son, Gailen Franson, of Clay Center, her son-in-law and daughter, John and Pam Fajen, of Riley, and daughter-in-law, Lee Campbell, of Clay Center. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Tyna Fajen, Pat James and husband Lon, Jeannie Franson, and Jim Franson and wife Shelli-all of Clay Center, KS; John Fajen Jr. and wife Cinnamon of Riley, KS; Angie Franson and husband Justin Dean of Perry, KS; Justin Fajen and wife Deana of Kansas City, MO; Jake Fajen and wife Erin of Lenexa, KS; and Jeremy Fajen and fiancée Michele Jesse of Riley, KS; along with 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
We are grateful for the length of her life and the time we had to spend with her, and we will always feel her presence in our hearts.
Visitation will be Friday, June 3, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.
Services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
Memorials can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church c/o the funeral home.