Funeral services for 89-year old Melburn “Buzz” Franey are Thurs, Nov 16, 2023 at 2:00 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chadron, NE.
Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD
Memorials may be given to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chadron; Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crawford, NE, or to the Crawford or Chadron Volunteer Fire Departments. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com.
Melburn D (Buzz) Franey was born Dec 23, 1933, to Edward A Franey and Helen M (Siekert) Franey at Bootjer Hospital in Crawford, NE.
Buzz started Kindergarten at the age of 4 at the Crow Butte School near Crawford and graduated from Crawford High School as Salutatorian of the Class of 1951.
Soon after graduation, he joined the U-S Army, where he spent most of his time in Alaska at Fort Richardson and on the DEW (Distant Early Warning) Line.
Upon fulfilling his military duties, Buzz returned home and worked for area farmers and ranchers, eventually settling into his own operation. He married Marvina Wohlers on August 25, 1957, and to this union were born two children: Terri and Mick.
Buzz enjoyed a lifetime of farming and ranching near Crawford until a severe bout with West Nile Virus forced him into retirement in 2007. He also enjoyed leatherwork and crafted many beautiful items, including three saddles.
Buzz is survived by his wife Marvina of Chadron; his daughter Terri (Wade) Beins of Chadron; his son Mick (Angel) Franey of Hot Springs, SD; 3 grandsons Travis (Nancy) Anderson, of Lakeside, NE; Blayne Anderson of Pine Bluffs, Wyo; and Chace Franey of Lincoln, NE; and 3 great-grandchildren Regan, Anna, and Turner Anderson of Lakeside;
He is also survived by his sisters Shirley Fickel of Covina, CA; Sharon (Rex) Jones of Wichita, KS; and brother Max (Barb) Franey of Chadron; brothers-in-law Donovan (Jan) Wohlers; Everett (Bev) Wohlers; and Jim (Kathy) Wohlers; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Melburn “Buzz” Franey