Harold George Franzen

Harold George Franzen Jr., 90 of Dadeville, AL, died peacefully at his home on January 27, 2022.

Harold George Franzen was born on September 8, 1931, in Chicago, IL. To Harold George Franzen Sr. and Maire Katherine Schuman Franzen. Harold married Dorothy Jane Valerio on May 23, 1953 and have been married for over 68 wonderful years. Harold and Dorothy honeymooned at the cabin in Tomahawk, Wisconsin that later led to making many lifelong family memories. Harold served his country in the United States Airforce. After leaving the service he went to work for General Electric. He was a contract negotiator later being promoted to General Manager of the Northeast Division in the GE engine group, selling jet engines to the Army and Navy military branches of the US government. He was an intragal part with the design and final tweaks of The Black Hawk helicopter and sold it to the army. Throughout his 35 yr. career he worked in St. Louis, Ohio and Washington D.C. before retiring in 1992.

Harold loved playing golf and living by the water which brought him to retire on Lake Martin. He was a member of the Stillwaters Rockers golf club. He was a private pilot and enjoyed flying sail planes. What brought him the most joy was spending time boating, pulling his children and grandchildren skiing and tubing. Harold loved and cherished his family.

He persevered through many obstacles in his life including being a cancer survivor and rising from humble beginnings to create a great life for his family. Harold lived a full and amazing life. He was a member of the Sardis United Methodist Church in Dadeville.

Harold is survived by his wife, Dorothy, four daughters, Pamela Franzen of St. Louis, MO, Cheryl Franzen Wisdom of Wright City, MO, Renee Franzen Lowe and husband Paul of Dadeville, AL and Cherie Franzen Stevens and husband Mark of Montgomery City, MO. Grandchildren- Sara Jones Hyde, Danielle Jones (Wayne), Christopher Jones (Susan), Alexius Lowe, Ashley Atkins (Brian), Nichole Borgers (Jeff), Samantha Thalhammer (Thomas), Shauna Curless (Nathan) and Luke Stevens (Abby). Great Grandchildren-Daysia Jones, Jaden Black, Oliver Hyde, Anna Grace & Xander Atkins, MegganJones, Amalia Curless, Jake Borgers and Walker Stevens. Also surviving are his sisters Charlotte Tehako, Linda Franzen and sister in law Lindy Franzen and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Harold was proceeded in death by his parents Harold Franzen Sr., Marie Franzen, sisters Beverly Martello, Audrey Collatz, his brother Carl Franzen, son in law, Richard Jones, son in law, James Wisdom, grandson Tyler Stevens and daughter Catherine Ann Franzen. 

He was deeply loved by his family and friends and we are all enriched for having known him.  We will miss our husband, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother and friend.

Memorial services will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Sardis United Methodist Church in Dadeville, AL. Brother Stephen King will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 2 PM until the time of service. Memorial contributions can be made to either Sardis United Methodist Church or to Compassus Care Hospice.

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