Kent Gene Franzen

Kent G. Franzen, 63, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. He was born November 19, 1945, at Gothenburg, Nebraska, to William and Lillian (Elliston) Franzen. Kent was raised in Gothenburg, he attended school, played football (#72) and graduated from Gothenburg High School with the class of 1964. He joined the Nebraska National Guard following graduation. He married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Lysinger, on August 7, 1966, at Zion Lutheran Church at Gothenburg. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Gwen, Chad and Luke. In 1967, the couple moved to Lexington on a farm east of town. They raised crops, cattle and kids. Kent was always busy and when he decided to start his own trucking company went to get the permits needed and the guy asked him, “what’s the name of your company”?, and Kent said, “there is no name, it’s just a truck”. Thus, the name of Justa Truck Trucking Company came about. Kent built the company in to a successful business and along with the trucking, he continued to ranch and farm. Kent’s health began to decline slowly and he sold the trucking business, but still loved the land and spent quite a bit of time in the pasture with the cow/calf operation. He never did fully retire, but did find time to show the guys at the Grand Generation Center a few of his “card tricks”. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and always enjoyed his church family. He loved to sing and spend time with his family and friends. Kent was a character to say the least, he was kind-hearted, loved his family and you always knew where you stood with Kent. Survivors include his wife: Dianne Franzen of Lexington, Nebraska Daughter: Gwen (Jerry) Tinkis of Colleyville, Texas Sons: Chad Franzen of Lexington, Nebraska Luke (Amy) Franzen of Callaway, Nebraska One brother: Bill Franzen of Gothenburg, Nebraska Two sisters: Marj (Bob) Plank Gothenburg, Nebraska Marilyn (Don) Brockman of Bermuda Dunes, California Seven grandchildren: Rachel, Marissa, Claire, Gus, Grant, Dane and Colt Kent was preceded in death by his parents; stepbrother, Gene Aden and stepsisters, Shirley Hite and Darlene Arnall. Memorial Service will be Monday, December 8, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Megan Morrow officiating. Burial will be held prior to the Memorial Service at 9:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Gothenburg, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 7, 2008, from 3-6 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church Stained-glass window project, the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department or the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of Sympathy may be directed to the family at: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.