The gun community and I lost a dear friend  last Tuesday.

Pete Franzen, who was also known as “1911fan” on several local and national forums, died of apparent heart failure.  Pete was working on a friends house, despite getting out of the hospital with phenomena just a few days earlier.

Pete was the kind of guy that always put other first.  He would selflessly give of himself, and asked for nothing in return.
When I had my ankle surgery last summer, Pete drove an hour out of his way to drop off a wheelchair for me to use, and refused to accept even a few dollars for gas.  Likewise, when I was done with it, he came and picked it up.

When Pete heard that I would be working a show in Disney, and the family was coming, Pete called in favors to get us free VIP passes to the park…

That’s the kind of guy Pete was.

Pete also cared provided care for the late Gopher’s coach Murray Warmath, and was mentioned by Charley Walters in the pioneer Press.

Peter Franzen, 52, who lived in Mounds View and was beloved by late Gophers football coach Murray Warmath and his players, and who personally provided care for Warmath for nearly two decades, died this week.

Pete died at the young age of 52.  He lived a long (but not long enough) and meaningful life, and made an impact on many people.

I have been in communication with the family and close friends of Pete, and have been coordinating the efforts of those wishing to donate their time and/or money to the family.  If you are able to contribute financially, or help with meals, yard work, house work, etc.  Please fill out this form, and I will contact you when a need arises.

If you would like to send a card to the family, please contact me, and I will give you their address, or you can send it to me, and I will deliver it:

Rob Doar
PO Box 385602
Minneapolis, MN 55438

UPDATE:

The funeral service has been planned for Thursday, Oct. 20th.  Service begins at 2:00pm, and visitation starts at 1.  It will be held at Brookdale Covenant Church:

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I’ll leave with the words I posted on Pete’s Facebook wall:

Rest in peace Pete. You’re an amazing guy, great mentor, and trusted confidante. You were always there for anybody who needed you… at anytime… and asked nothing in return.
You made the world a better place, and I will miss you.

May God greet you as a friend.

Heartfelt prayers extended to all of Pete’s family. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask. I will do my best to be as giving as Pete would have been.