Eric Edwin Fransen, Sr., 86, of Kenedy, peacefully entered eternal rest with Jesus on Monday, February 15, 2016. Eric was born December 11, 1929 in Kenedy, TX to the late Henry R. and Lillie V. Fransen. He was married 61 years to his one and only sweetheart, Elizabeth Ann Richter Fransen, who passed away two months ago.

Eric was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Freda Grisham, and two baby brothers, Paul and Robert Fransen.

He is survived by his daughters, Wanda Brown and husband Charlie of Kenedy, Brenda Taylor and husband Rick of Kenedy; sons, Eric Fransen, Jr. and wife Fran of Kenedy, Robby Fransen and wife Rachel of Selma, CA, Kirby Fransen and wife Pam of Seguin; sisters Ruth Jones of Austin and Linda Fransen of Sweden; brother, John Fransen and wife Joyce of Kenedy, grandchildren, Philip Brown, Travis Brown, Katelyn Hopson, Robin Fransen-Serio, Eric Fransen, III, Rebecca Fransen, Cody Fransen, Alex Fransen, Boyd Fransen, Dale Fransen, Elizabeth Fransen, Hannah Fransen, Bradley Fransen, Matthew Fransen, Kimberly Fransen; great-grandchildren, Joseph Brown, Ryder Brown, Emma Brown, Maddie Brown, and Evelynn Fransen.

Eric grew up working on his family’s farm. He was a member of the Kenedy High School class of 1948. He met Ann when he was eleven years old, and it must have been love at first sight. They married in Kenedy on June 28, 1954.

Eric served two years in the U.S. Army, then he and Ann moved to his farm west of Kenedy, where he worked the land, raised collie puppies, and welcomed five children. He also raised and sold registered Polled Hereford cattle and seed for Douglas King Seed Company. He and his brother farmed a total of 1100 acres. In 1968, he went to work for General Mills as a maintenance mechanic and moved his family to a smaller farm inside the city limits of Kenedy.

Eric was a loving, devoted husband and father who worked hard and unfailingly provided for his family. He lived a simple, unassuming, and righteous life. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and always enjoyed listening to old-time gospel music and good preaching.

Eric was 100% Swedish and very frugal. He had a mechanical mind and skilled hands. He could fix anything. He had a passion for tractors, old cars, and junk. He loved home cooking, spending time with his family, and hunting for good deals.

Reading the newspaper was another of Eric’s favorite pastimes. He especially liked the comics; and while he often appeared to be reserved, those who knew him well were privileged to witness his keen sense of dry humor.

Eric’s life was a wholesome example to his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed, but he is now rejoicing in Heaven with his beloved wife.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 19, 2016 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 10AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in the Karnes County Memorial Park Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.