Russell Jarl Fransen

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Jackson, with Pastor John Holt officiating.

Russell Fransen, age 97, formerly of Jackson, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Colonial Manor in Lakefield, Minnesota. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

Russell Jarl Fransen was born on February 28, 1924, to Carl and Hannah (Johnson) Fransen on a farm north of Jackson, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Jackson. He attended District #1 country school where he graduated from the 8th grade. He then attended and graduated from Jackson High School in 1942.  After graduation, he worked for his father on the farm.  Russell met the love of his life Merva Shover, at a local dance in Jackson. They were united in marriage on October 6, 1945. To this union three daughters were born, Judy, Carol, and Linda. In January of 2017, Russell and Merva moved into Valley View Assisted Living in Lakefield. In July of 2019, he moved into Colonial Manor in Lakefield, where he passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the age of 97 years, 7 months, and 2 days. 

Russell was an active farmer raising chickens, pigs, and cattle along with corn and soybeans. In the early years, he farmed with his brother, Leland, and later his son-in-law and grandsons. He was active in Farm Bureau and enjoyed his life on the family farm.  Russell was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran, where he served on the Building Committee for the new church built in 1979. He ushered regularly and was one of the potato peelers for the Annual Lutefisk Supper. Russell was known for his love of deer hunting and new cars, mostly Oldsmobile and Buicks. He loved dancing and playing a good game of cards with friends and family.  In his retirement, he continued to help his grandson’s farm after moving to town in 2005.  He also enjoyed traveling and fishing at McArdle’s Resort on Lake Winnie.

Russell is survived by his three daughters, Judy Kielty of Windom, Carol Neal (Jerry Hepp) of Jackson, and Linda (Thomas) Sanders of Windom; six grandchildren, Karey Kielty (Mark) Daschner, Karlene Kielty Hunter, Katie Kielty Raverty, Bryon Neal, Paul (Rachelle) Neal, and Lisa Neal (Corey) Will; three step grandchildren, Jacob (Megan) Sanders, Sara Sanders (Samar) Upadhyah, and Joshua Sanders; ten great grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; sister Delores Hauge; sister-in-law Evelyn Fransen; many nieces and nephews.

Russell is preceded in death by his wife, Merva; his parents Carl and Hannah; his brothers Quentin, Leland, and Kenneth; his sister Ardith Hansen; his brother-in-law’s LeRoy Hansen and Allen Hauge; his sister-in-law Donna Fransen.

Blessed be the memory of Russell Fransen.

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