Craig Franzen

Craig N. Franzen, of Sheboygan, passed away at his home on Monday, May 29, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He had the fight of his life, and finally lost his battle to cancer. He was 62 years old.
Craig was born May 30, 1954 in Fond du Lac, the son of LeRoy R. and Katherine G. (nee Schmitz) Franzen. He graduated from Sheboygan South High School in 1972. On May 6, 1978, he was united in marriage with Carol Malon in Sheboygan. The couple celebrated their 39th anniversary this month with a party and vow renewal.
In 1972, Craig began working at Lakeshore Press where he learned the printing trade. In 1986, he started his own printing business, Franzen Graphics, and in 1988, he purchased Lakeshore Press. The small business with 3 employees started on N. 18th Street in Sheboygan, and after expansions and growth, relocated in 1997 to Hwy 42 where it currently has 90 employees and major clients throughout the country. The printing business was Craig's passion, and he put his heart and soul into everything he did there. In 1991, he was awarded the Miller Brewing Company Partner in Excellence and in 1996, was named Wisconsin's Small Business Person of the Year. Craig's love of golf led him to start Event Solutions, a producer of signage for major golf tournaments and other sporting events.
Craig was a member of the Pine Hills Country Club and Town of Sheboygan Lions Club. An avid Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan, Craig enjoyed golfing, bowling, listening to music, and playing sheepshead, cribbage and dice. Craig and Carol enjoyed traveling, and visited Germany, Europe, China, Mexico and vacations throughout the states. He looked forward to annual fishing trips to Canada and a yearly Vegas golfing trip.
Above all, Craig loved life. He made new friends everywhere he went, was the life of the party, generously would do anything for anybody, and made sure those around him were having fun. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was actively involved with his children's sports and activities when they were young, and looked forward to visiting them at college.
Craig is survived by his wife Carol and their children: Jill (William) Rash of Geneva, Illinois and Nicholas (Stephanie) Franzen of Sheboygan. He is further survived by his grandchildren Benjamin, Bridget, Brayden and baby Rash due in December, and Evelyn and Grace Franzen; brother Brian (Joy) Franzen, sisters Kim (Steve) Gerk and Trudy Franzen, sister-in-law Cheryl Franzen, mother-in-law Regina (Marvin Barts) Malon, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Chester Malon, his brother Richard Franzen and brother-in-law Steven Malon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2133 N. 22nd Street in Sheboygan. The family will receive visitors at Zimmer Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 4pm-7pm, and again on Saturday from 10am-11am at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested. They will be put towards a graphic arts scholarship that is being created in Craig's name.
The family would like to thank the staff at Dr. Bettag's office for their compassionate care and support.
Zimmer Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook.