Francis V "Fran" Boigenzahn
Francis V. "Fran" Boigenzahn age 78 of Durand, died Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at his home in Durand with his family by his side.
Fran was born on July 31, 1933 on the family farm in Pepin County. He was the son of Frank and Hannah (Bauer) Boigenzahn. Fran grew up in Mondovi and graduated from Mondovi High School in 1951, excelling in football as a member of the 4 B's. After high school, Fran gave up his football scholarship to UW-Stout due to health concerns. Fran was a member of the National Guard in the Red Arrow 32nd Division Medical Corp. After working several jobs, Fran returned to UW Stout to attain his teaching degree in Industrial Arts, graduating 1957. He then accepted a job at the Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville where he taught Mathematics and Driver's Education for 33 years. Fran married Shirley Bauer on June 14, 1958 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima. Together they raised two sons. Fran retired in 1990 and moved to a small farm in the Town of Peru, rural Durand, where he worked at his many hobbies. Due to failing health, Fran moved into the City of Durand in September of 2011, where he remained the rest of his life.
Fran had many hobbies; he loved to fish, hunt, garden, cut wood for the woodstove and did many wood working projects. Fran and Shirley took many trips to see his children and family, which he took great pride in.
Fran is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley, two sons, Jim (Lori) of Winona, MN and Jeff (Gail) of Dana Point, CA, four grandchildren, Lindsey (Jason), Kelsey, Sawyer and Hayley, one great grandson, Connor, one sister, Janis (Jack) Lund of Augusta, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Delores Weissinger.