Arnold J. Franson, 87, of Eau Claire died Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Sacred Heart Hospital.He was born in the Town of Pleasant Valley on April 30, 1922, a son of Alfred and Minnie (Johnson) Franson.\r\nArnold enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 24, 1942. He served as a Sergeant in the European, African, and Middle Eastern Theater. He was honorably discharged on February 7, 1946. \r\nArnold married Viola L. Haugen at Kings Valley Lutheran Church near Osseo on June 27, 1948.\r\nHe was a master carpenter, building cabinets, clocks and furniture for family and friends, and worked 31 years at UniRoyal, retiring as a carpenter in 1984.\r\nHe was a member of First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Eau Claire Lodge # 112 F&AM and was a lifetime member of American Legion Post #53 and VFW Post #305.\r\nArnold enjoyed old-time music and playing his violin. He traveled to Norway twice and was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He enjoyed his YMCA membership, especially his Y friends. Arnold was a walking baseball historian and an avid Brewer fan. Arnold was a loving husband and father who cherished spending time with his family and the family dogs. He had a marvelous, witty sense of humor and will be greatly missed by all.\r\nArnold is survived by his wife, Viola; son, Marvin (Lorrie) Franson of Eau Claire; daughter, Donna (Craig) Hitchens of Strum; granddaughter, Andrea Kochan and great granddaughter, Anika Kochan both of Madison; brother, Irving "Tom" (Kathryn) Franson of the Town of Brunswick; four nephews, Brian, Keith and Mark Franson, and Arnold Haugen; and great nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire with Pastor Scott Miller officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire where American Legion Post #53 will present military graveside honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. There will be a 6:30 p.m. Masonic Service Monday at the funeral home.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to the First Lutheran Church Foundation, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703\r\n

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