Marvin Carl Franzen, 87, of Lexington Park, MD died Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Hospice House of St. Mary's.

He was born on January 24, 1928 in Britton, S.D., to the late Carl Gunner Franzen and Ruth Cecelia Larson but grew up in Rutland. Marv was always trying to figure out how to make a nickel. He worked long hours with his father in the family grocery hardware merchandise store. He and his brother worked hard delivering propane and selling appliances.

Marv graduated from North Dakota University with a Business Degree. It was there he was first introduced to property management as the house manager for Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Soon after graduating Marv attended Officers Candidate School and became an officer in the United States Navy. On July 20, 1953 he married his beloved wife Joyce Marie Franzen in Fargo, N.D. Together, they celebrated over 41 years of marriage before her passing in December 1994.

Marv came to St. Mary's County with the Navy. After his first assignment in Norfolk he served at PAX River in Airborne Early Warning Squadron Two as a radio man aboard the Lockeed Constellation "Connie". Marv and Joyce lived aboard the Naval Station and later in Navy housing off Willows Road. Upon completion of his enlistment as a Navy Lieutenant Marv began his business career selling Life Insurance and in quick order became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. In 1965, Marv started Marv Franzen Realty and became involved in home building and property development. Marv formed Raley Construction under the able direction of James Raley of Mechanicsville and together they built many custom homes throughout St. Mary's County. He was dedicated to serving the many families he worked for with the highest level of care and integrity.

He was very social, and loved to be around people. He loved his home on the water, Marv's Sandcastle, and was an avid boater. He especially loved jet skiing and rode well into his eighties. He had only one speed- fast! He also enjoyed crabbing and fishing. In his retirement he relished almost daily trips to Breton Bay Golf Course where he continually worked at improving his golf skills. His favorite holiday of the year was the 4th of July where he would host his annual pool party; fireworks; Chinese lanterns, a live band and maybe a cigar or two. Other hobbies included, dancing, hunting, gambling, snow skiing and investing in the stock market. He also enjoyed much success in commodity trading and daily stock trading. However, his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Elks Lodge 2092, and Rotary Club of Lexington Park.

Marvin is survived by his children, Cynthia Lee Thompson (Stephen) of Raleigh, NC, Carl Franzen (Kathy) of Lexington Park, MD, Sandra Franzen (Randy) of Parrish, FL, and Bradly Franzen (Beth) of Hollywood, MD; his brother, Donald Franzen (Barbara) of Fulton, MO; 6 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., and 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service will be celebrated by Reverend Dr. Jonathan A. Blanke on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 46707 Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Interment is private.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, the Alzheimer's Association or Elks Lodge 2092. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.