Albert Jacob Franzen

Albert Jacob Franzen, age 87, of Biloxi passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Mr. Franzen was born in Mansfield, OH and was a resident of Biloxi, MS since 1971. He joined the United States Air Force in 1947 and served his country for 27 years until his retirement in 1974 as a SMSGT. He later retired from the Engineering Department of the Biloxi VA. He was an active member of the Keesler Catholic Church and later the Blessed Seelos Catholic Church (St. John Catholic Church) in Biloxi. Mr. Franzen is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob Franzen and Anna Kunz Franzen, one sister Helen (Nelson); two brothers Frankie and Charles and one granddaughter, Jennifer Ramage. His survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Virginia Franzen; three daughters, Jackie (Robert) Ramage, Karen (Scott) Keyes, and Linda (Darrin) Stewart; six sons, Jacob, Michael (Mona), Pat (Michele), Dennis, Peter and Chris; sister, Elinor (Paul) Boes; 26 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 2 great great-grandchildren. Albert taught his children how to work hard but also how to enjoy life with laughter. Albert and Virginia traveled many miles across the country throughout his military career, many times camping in a tent along the way. They made Biloxi their home after his last tour of duty living on the back bay. They hosted many parties in their backyard from weddings, family reunions, and annual Memorial Day celebrations. Albert could be found in his garage tinkering with his tools or down on the deck casting a fishing line or pulling in crab traps. He and Virginia enjoyed watching the antics of the birds, squirrels, turtles, ducks and two family dogs. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Columbia Unit of the Biloxi VA CLC for their loving care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society in memory of Albert J. Franzen. GCDSS, PO Box 654, Gautier, MS 39553. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral in Biloxi. Family and friends are invited to visit from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.