John E. Franey

John Edward Franey, age 86, of Eau Claire, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. He was born to James G. Franey and Lillian Mattson Franey.

John was educated in the Eau Claire Public School system, attending grade school at 3rd Ward/Bartlett School (k-6), junior high for 2 years on Grand Ave, 3 years at Eau Claire Sr. High, then graduated from the first class of Memorial High School in 1958. Later, he went on to college at UW-Madison earning a Mechanical Engineering degree. After college graduation he moved to the Twin Cities where he worked for Honeywell for 31 years before retiring.

John was well-traveled and visited all 50 states, all the provinces of Canada, and 26 countries. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and flying. He accumulated 2500 air hours and owned his own Cessna 172 airplane. He had a cabin at the edge of the NW Territory and traveled there several times per year to hunt and fish with friends. He loved his 4 Beagles that he had throughout his lifetime, and he spent many hours rabbit hunting with them.

John maintained homes in Roseville, MN and Eau Claire, WI and also owned a cottage on the Chippewa River.

He is survived by his nephew James G. Franey III, who lives in Louisville, KY and many friends in both WI and MN. Preceding him in death are his parents and his brother James G. Franey II.

Memorials in John's name can be given to the Saving Grace Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 3735 Jeffers Rd., Eau Claire with Pastor David Irgens officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com.