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Duane Franzen Obituary
GIFFORD - Duane D. Franzen, 89, of Gifford died at 7:27 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 18, 2025) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 108 E. Church St., Gifford, with Pastor Gary Maxwell officiating. Private family burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. There will be no visitation. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.
Duane was born Feb. 17, 1936, in Rantoul Township, the son of Heije and Esther Meier Franzen. He married Lois Sieberns on Oct. 9, 1959, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. She survives.
Along with his wife, Lois, he is survived by a daughter, Kathy (Franzen) and Dan Winters of Lincoln, Neb.; four sons, Barry and Kim (Miles) Franzen of Potomac, Tom and Teri (Snyder) Franzen of Gifford, John and Kim (Streit) Franzen of Elwood City, Penn., and Dan and Cathie (Fellows) Franzen of Redondo Beach, Calif.; 12 grandchildren, Todd Franzen, Amy Bartel, Ryan Franzen, Zackary Franzen, Taylor Stebbins, Morgan Franzen, Braden Franzen, Bryce Franzen, Emma Franzen, Hannah Winters, Kaylee Franzen and Camden Franzen; six great-grandchildren, Miles Franzen, Eloise Stebbins, Owen Franzen, Isla Franzen, Declan Stebbins and Freya Bartel; and a brother, Gerry (Dian) Franzen of Chicago.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Harm Frerichs; and sister, Marlys Franzen.
Duane was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in April 1950. He graduated from Ogden Community High School in 1953. He was a carpenter and worked for Rademacher Construction for more than 25 years.
He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gifford. Duane had a passion for scroll-saw woodworking. He made hundreds of wooden crosses and enjoyed sharing them with family and friends. Duane was a master of puns and loved sharing that gift.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Duane Franzen
Michael Hoveln
October 24, 2025
Duane was just one of the nicest guys I have ever known. His humor, wit and charm were only surpassed by his Humility. He was a great man. My most sincere, loving thoughts and prayers go out to Lois and all of the kids.
Alaskan cruise 2012
David, Kathy, Christina, and Bryce Immke
October 24, 2025
Duane was a wonderful man and loved his sense of humor! He was quite punny. Sharing photos that bring back fond memories of our vacation together. Our thoughts and prayer go out to your family today.
Shirley A Wyatt
October 22, 2025
My sympathy
Paul & Lorraine Buenting
October 21, 2025
Much love from East TN, will be wearing the cross made with his hands this week in remembrance. Our best to all the family.
Michael Patten
October 21, 2025
My colences to the family He was a fine person
Barbara A Manka
October 21, 2025
Such a great cousin and always talked with us about well anything Loved his smile and gracious manners Our sincere condolences & sympathies..
Tami Carter
October 20, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Funeral services provided by:
Baier Family Funeral Services - Flatville2109 County Road 2500 N, Thomasboro, IL 61878
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