Lyle Earl Franzen, 64, passed away on June 5, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and friends at home in Glasgow, Montana. He was a good man, who will be missed by many.
Lyle was born April 15, 1955 to William ‘Bill’ and Magdalina ‘Maggie’ (Schelert) Franzen in Glasgow, Montana. He attended St. Raphael Catholic Schools, graduated from Glasgow High School in 1973. Lyle was a successful competitor in stock cars.
In 1978, Lyle married the love of his life, Deanna ‘DeeDee’ Jackson. Together they built a home northwest of Glasgow. Lyle’s love of trees and plants led to the growth of the “Franzen Forest” that provides an oasis on the prairie.
Lyle began his career at Valley Electric as a lineman, following in the footsteps of his father. In 1989, for health reasons, the family moved to Great Falls, where he and DeeDee went back to school. He received his associates degree in accounting from the Great Falls VoTech in 1991. He retired as accountant from NorVal. Lyle developed lifelong friendships with his co-workers. Retirement finally brought enough time to dabble in his many hobbies. He was the ultimate handyman — owning and maintaining numerous rental properties with family.
To prepare for the long Hi-Line winters, Lyle stockpiled firewood, canned and pickled garden items, and smoked homemade sausage. During the winter, bowling, woodworking, and furniture making provided Zen. Lyle’s wood inlay, “Pig in a Blanket”, won Best of Fair the Northeast Montana Fair. Lyle recently started turning bowls made from local trees. Lyle reconditioned his 1972 GMC pickup, completely rebuilding the engine and restoring the body and paint.
During the lovely summers, Lyle was frequently at Ft. Peck Lake where he enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, weather watching, and spending time with family and friends. In 2008, he and his wife purchased property in Duck Creek, where they grew another forest for their vacation home. He also enjoyed traveling, some highlights include an anniversary cruise to Alaska, chaperoning a KEY Club trip to Nashville and NASCAR races in Las Vegas. Lyle loved camping in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks — he was particularly fond of The Trail of Cedars near Avalanche Lake.
Lyle is survived by his wife DeeDee; son, Jesse (Joice) Franzen, and daughter, Jennifer Franzen; siblings Bill Franzen, Lorna (Wayne) Pitman, Dale (Augie) Franzen; sister-in-law Jill (Scott) Sanders; father-in-law, Robert Jackson; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Kayleen Franzen and his parents Bill and Maggie Franzen.
Services will be held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 12th at 10:00 am. Immediately following the internment of his ashes at Highland Cemetery, a reception will be held at the Glasgow VFW. Honorary Pallbearers: Wayne Pittman, Tim Potter, Scott Sanders, Joe Tolzein, Mark Vosen, and Jim Wilham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to these organizations Lyle supported: Montana School for the Deaf and Blind Foundation or Milk River Activity Center — Special Olypmics.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 12, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave. No.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday June 12, 2019
VFW Post 3107
Highway 2 West
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 12, 2019
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave. No.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday June 12, 2019
VFW Post 3107
Highway 2 West
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Joan Taylor says
Deedee and family,
So sorry for your loss. My God put his loving hands on your shoulders and help you through this.
Love Joan and Roy Taylor
Linda L Rabe says
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Lyle was an awesome talented man.
He will be greatly missed.
God is taking care of him now.
He was a wonderful caring nephew.
Angie says
DeeDee I am so so sorry for your loss😢 my prayers and love are with you and yours at this tragic tine🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
Marie Pederson says
My heart is with you, sending love, hugs, and prayers.
Vicky Wetz says
Hugs dedee from Paul and Vicky
Gertha Schlenker says
We are so sorry that you have lost a Wonderful part of you. When you hurt we hurt with you. Lyle was a Nephew we could not compare with any other. We hope the Precious Memories you have of him will help you through time of grief. 💖💞💓💕💗🙏🙏🙏🙏
Carolyn Bachtold says
I am so sorry to hear about Lyle’s death. Thinking of you during this time of sorrow! Cherish the memories!
Connie taggart says
DeeDee
My heart is saddened hearing this news.
Thinking of you and your family. I always enjoyed reading Lyles FB page, he always kept me informed on the Glasgow news.
God Bless
Connie Maag Taggart
Jerry Schlenker says
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love
Jerry and Marj Schlenker
Steve Aune says
My thoughts and prayers wre with the family. Lyle was a great person. He was loved and will be missed greatly
Chuck Schultz says
Thoughts and Prayers incoming for you.
Cheri L Omara says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family.
Peacher’s says
DeeDee,,
We are so sorry about the loss of Lyle. You are in our thoughts and prayers always.
From Floyd & Brenda Peacher & Cora Canen
Kim Johnson Stroumbos says
So very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Greg & Rose Speer says
Deedee and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all.
Larry E Tade says
Deedee and Family: We were heartbroken to learn of Lyle’s passing. I will cherish forever my years working with him as well as his Dad. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Rob & Connie Brunelle says
So shocked and very sorry for your loss!! Lyle was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by so very many!! Sending hugs and prayers!!
Phillip Davison says
Very sorry to hear of Lyle’s passing. We had many a good time with our motorcycles and gathering of motorcycle riders at our club events back in the 70’s . I got to be around him when I worked for MDU in Glasgow , when I would go in and fix the heaters in their co shop. We always had a good time doing the repairs and helping strangers , the stranger one is a story in it’s self . He will be missed , our prayers are with his family
Carmen Hahn says
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Lyle will be missed by many. Big hugs
Dena Clowes Burt says
My deepest sympathies. He was a great guy and fellow classmate from GHS. He will surely be missed.
Alicia Hoyt says
Deanna, I am so sorry to hear of Lyle;s passing. My thoughts are with you at this time. Fondly, Alicia
Leah Erickson says
Deedee and family, 🙏🙏🙏 at this time of sorrow. We are thinking of you and send prayers and hugs to your family.
Leah & Lynn Erickson
Lori smith says
Jesse and Joice,
We are so very sad for you. You and your family are in our prayers and hearts. Lots of love from Helena.
Morgan and Lori Smith
Joyce Kjelstrup says
So sorry for your loss. Out thoughts and prayers with you and the family.
Nancy Sietsema says
DeeDee and family,
Sending love and prayers to you during this most difficult time. So sorry for your loss. RIP Lyle
Love,
Nancy, Dan and family
jERRY pHELPS (JAY) says
DeeDee, JILL and family
we send our thoughts and prayers to you along with your families ,so sorry t hear of this loss ,
may he rest in peace.
Beverly & Ashley Lovell says
Jesse, Joice, Deedee and Jennifer
So sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Patty Long says
We are so sorry for your loss,Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Scott St. John says
Deedee and family,
So sorry to hear of Lyle’s passing. I really enjoyed getting to know Lyle before his retirement. It was a bright spot in my day when I would run into the two of you at lunch and we could catch up. You are in my thoughts.
Sherri Martin says
DeeDee, Jesse and Family:
I’m so sorry. We are sending prayers and hugs from Helena.
Sherri and Brad Martin
Lorraine Hughes says
Deedee and family,
I am so sorry to read about Lyle. I pray your memories surround and support you with goodness.
Lorraine Hughes
Connie F Johnson says
DeeDee and family so sorry for your loss. Heaven is rejoicing as another angel returned. Hold on to your precious memories. Hugs and prayers.
Suzanne Cooper says
Dear Dee Dee, so sorry to hear this news. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne and Bryan
Betty Cook says
bettykcook@gmail.com
Dear DeeDee and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Lyle as such a kind and caring husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betty Cook