Eugene Franzwa Obituary Eugene "Curley" Franzwa, age 91, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by family. Curley was born November 22, 1933, in St. Paul, Minnesota. From the age of five, he spent every summer working on his Uncle Johnny's farm. That time helped shape his strong work ethic and a willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. After High school he was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean war. After returning he met the love of his life, Patricia Krause, and they married on October 19, 1957. Together, they raised seven children and shared a love for square dancing. Curley had a passion for bowling, fishing, playing cardsespecially cribbage, and telling jokes and stories that kept everyone laughing. Known for his sharp wit and unforgettable personality, he had a way of making an impression youd never forget. He began his career working for GE and several other companies before following his entrepreneurial spirit and founding C.P. Tool Warehouse in Waite Park. For many years, he built strong relationships with customers and colleagues alike through his honesty, dedication, and knack for solving problems. A natural fixer and always 'putzin' on houses, Curley was flipping homes before it became popular. His hands were rarely idle, and he took pride in improving every place he touched. Though he dreamed of camping trips, his excursions were famously met with bad weather, even snow on the Fourth of July. Despite lifes adventures and misadventures, he thoroughly enjoyed getting together with family and friends for card nights and trips. Curleys most cherished moments were the family gatherings at the cabin in Hackensack. It was where he felt most at home. Curley was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his children, Terry (Kathy), Tim (Wendy), Ted (Sun), Kathy (Dale) Strandberg, Tom, and Kris (Jin) Cho; 17 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Karen; parents; and brother, Mel. Please join the family to honor Curleys life at a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St Mathias Catholic Church in Fort Ripley. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour before Mass and stay for lunch to follow. Interment will take place at St. Mathias Parish Cemetery.