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BORN
1958
DIED
2023
Dean Franzen Obituary
Dean Franzen, 65
July 27, 1958 - September 28, 2023
Dean Franzen, 65, of Cedar Falls, died September 28, 2023.
Dean was born on July 27, 1958, to Carey and Wilma (Hartman) Franzen in Sumner, Iowa. He attended Hempstead High School in Dubuque, Iowa.
Dean graduated from both the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa with degrees in engineering and education.
He married his high school sweetheart, Jolene Nauman, on December 29, 1979 and they had a daughter, Angel.
After living in Florida and California, Dean and his family moved home to Iowa. Dean was an entertainer and loved performing his juggling show for all ages across the Midwest. When Dean was not juggling, he was teaching math at UNI and Allen College of Nursing. Later, he enjoyed substitute teaching in the Cedar Valley, especially at Kingsley Elementary. You could also find Dean bicycling on the trails, paddling his kayak, savoring a good cup of coffee, enjoying his acreage or jamming on his guitar. Music was a passion of Dean's and he attended many shows, especially the Grateful Dead.
Dean is survived by Jolene, his loving wife of 43 years; daughter and son in-law, Angel and Jeremy Munson; mother, Wilma Franzen; sister, Jennie (Terry) Dillin; brother, Jay (Camille) Franzen; siblings in-law, Nancy (Kevin) McCarty, Dan (Penny) Nauman, Jackie (Tom) Avery, Lori (Mike) Lamb, Jill Nauman, Jeff (Shelby) Nauman, Lynn (Jim) Hackman, Becky (Alan) Moore; aunts, Verlaine Knoploh, Connie Beard, Mary Morton, Rita Hicks; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who became family.
Dean's family extends sincere appreciation to Cedar Valley Hospice for the kind and compassionate in-home care Dean received, especially Brianna, Abby, Sarah, Aubrey and Jammie as well as Jackie Avery.
Dean has touched so many lives and added so much positivity and greatness to this world.
A Celebration of Dean's Life will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Island Park Beach House (218 Center Street, Cedar Falls). All who knew Dean are welcome to attend.
Memories and Condolences
for Dean Franzen
4 Entries
Stacy Brukardt
October 7, 2023
In my memory he will always be that long hair, juggling, hacky sac, teacher.
Growing up he was that neighbor, friend, hacky sac partner, tutoring mentor.
Going to festivals with his advanced juggling with fire sticks, unicycle riding, tidedye wearing long hair and all.
When struggling came with math he was there to tutoring. Because of his being a math instructor for college. Till the day that shocked everyone when the whole family cut their hair.
Though we haven't been in contact for years. He will be truly missed. My heart goes out to the family Jolene and Angel especially. Until we meet again in the next dimension..
Deep regards,
Stacy Brukardt (AKA Ackerman) and family
Stacy
October 7, 2023
In my memory he will always be that long hair, juggling, hacky sac, teacher.
Growing up he was that neighbor, friend, hacky sac partner, tutoring mentor.
Going to festivals with his advanced juggling with fire sticks, unicycle riding, tidedye wearing long hair and all.
When struggling came with math he was there to tutoring. Because of his being a math instructor for college. Till the day that shocked everyone when the whole family cut their hair.
Though we haven't been in contact for years. He will be truly missed. My heart goes out to the family Jolene and Angel especially.
Deep regards,
Stacy Brukardt (AKA Ackerman) and family
Catherine
October 6, 2023
Dean was special and part of my early time at UNI. His humanity was evident in all he did, and what he did he did well. May his family find comfort in memories and may Dean rest in peace.
Bruce Westemeier
October 5, 2023
A GREAT Teacher , fun and will be missed
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