- Date Of Birth: February 27, 1928
- Date Of Death: October 21, 2010
- State: Illinois
Cecil R. Franseen, 82, of Jacksonville, died peacefully on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at Passavant Area Hospital.
He was born on February 27, 1928, in Galesburg, Illinois only son of Cecil J. and Elsie R. Franseen. After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1945 he majored in Business Administration at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa and graduated in 1949. His career began at State Farm Insurance headquarters, Bloomington, IL and in 1960 he joined Kordite Corporation, Jacksonville, as Purchasing Agent. In the early 1960’s, using his education, experience and with an entrepreneurial spirit, he started his own manufacturing business. First located in Roodhouse, IL then Winchester, IL, Winchester Packaging, Inc, in operation for 35 years, employed up to 100 people. Although Winchester Packaging ceased operations in 1998, Cecil pursued his interest in computers by starting a computer sales and service business in Jacksonville and Winchester.
Cecil enjoyed many hobbies but had a lifelong passion for flying and during his life he owned 23 airplanes. His other hobbies included woodworking and photography, electronics, fishing and coffee with his friends.
In 1950 Cecil married Martha L. Jernigan of Chicago, IL. Their children are Steve A. Franseen of Colorado and Anne Franseen Forby of Makanda, IL. In 1969 Cecil married Martha C. Acker (deceased) mother of David Acker, Michael Acker (deceased), and Christine Acker Smith. For the last eleven years of his life, Cecil and Phyllis Ore Rigg were happily married. Phyllis’s children are Ann Spear of Charleston, IL and Susan Bringman (deceased). His large family includes 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
