Dean Franzen
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.
