Evelyn F Franzen

Evelyn F. Franzen, 86 of Loves Park, Il. was welcomed into heaven on Wednesday April 8, 2015, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Born January 30, 1929 in Kewanee, Il to Ernest and Marie (Heidemann) Kronewitz. A 1946 graduate of Harlem High School. She married Russell Franzen on November 19, 1949 at Grace Lutheran Church and together raised their two daughters. Evelyn remained a homemaker for many years then went on to attain her master’s degree in education at Northern Illinois University. She proudly taught in Rockford-area school districts and was honored to be nominated for a Golden Apple Award.

Family was Evelyn's greatest love in her life. She faithfully cooked Sunday night dinners, bringing many loved ones together in her home and instilling a deep appreciation for family. She was a devout Lutheran at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Evelyn enjoyed gardening, vacations with her family, playing piano, feeding the birds, volunteering at RockValley College and North Suburban Women's Club and getting together with friends.

Survivors: daughters; Cary (Tony) Saladino and Marie (Brian Klaung) Epling; grandchildren, Cindy (Oak) Hewer, Stephanie Saladino, Tony (Tracy Bolster) Saladino, Damon (Mallory) Epling and Adriane (Clayton) Heinrich; great-grandchildren, Matthew Heifner, Reece Saladino and Ashton Hewer; and family Michael Epling and Sophia Klaung.

Due to her love and passion for education, memorials may be made to the family to establish a scholarship fund at Harlem High School.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Edwards, Dr. Razbadouski, and Swedish American Cancer Center.

Funeral service: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church 675 N. Mulford Rd. Rockford, Il. Visitation from 10:00a.m. until time of service. Luncheon immediately following service, burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Also Visitation: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday April 13, at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, Il. To express condolences, visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com