Vernon S. Franzen, 88 of rural Rantoul, died at 5:53 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at American Lutheran Church, 500 Church Drive, Rantoul with Rev. Aaron Dawson officiating.  Military honors will be accorded by the Rantoul American Legion Post 287. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements.

Visitation will be two hours before the funeral service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Vern was born March 4, 1937, in Rural Rantoul the son of John and Nettie Sherman Franzen.  He married Patsy Bryant September 30, 1960 at the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul.  She survives.

Along with his wife Patsy, he is survived by a son Brad Franzen of Savoy, a daughter Jodie (Denzel Lewis) Metzger of Carmel, Indiana; two grandchildren, Egan Franzen and Emma Metzger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Beverly Schnier, Emma Robertson, Kay Malsbury and a brother, John Franzen.

Vern graduated from Rantoul Twp. High School in 1954.  He served in the United States Army 1956-58.  He spent his life farming and also retired as a carpenter from the U of I.

He was a life-long member of the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul.  He had served on the Compromise Twp Board, the Rantoul Twp High School Board and the American Lutheran Church Council.  Vern was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan.  He loved farming and spending time with his grandkids.

Memorials may be made to the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul or an organization of the donor's choice.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.