Wayne Franzen (77) of Altamont

Wayne Franzen, 77, of Altamont, died at 9:46 a.m. Friday, March 17, 2023 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altamont with Rev. Dr. James F. Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Altamont. Visitation will be held from 5-7 on Friday and for one hour prior to service time all at the church. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, University of Illinois School of Chemical Science, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN or the donor’s choice. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Wayne was the son of Lambert and Velma (Williams) Franzen. After graduating from Altamont High School, Wayne earned a degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois. He later earned an MBA degree from Baldwin Wallace College. Wayne spent his 50 year career supporting technologies used in coating and ink formulations. As a mirror of his professional growth and as a part of his career, Wayne held memberships in the Societies of Coating Technologies in Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Detroit. He was also a founding member of the Cincinnati Ink Production Club.

In his personal life, Wayne married the love of his life, Elvera (Voelker), and they enjoyed 56 years together. Wayne served the Lord as an Elder in every congregation where he and Elvera were members. Wayne was also an ardent handbell ringer for over 40 years. Wayne also served as president of the Northeast Ohio Illini Club for 10 years. He loved photography, reading, and travel, as well as attending Cardinal baseball games and following Fighting Illini sports. Wayne especially loved spending time and traveling with his grandkids.

Wayne and Elvera were blessed with 4 children: Deidra (Rich Baker) of Brighton, Iowa; Dan (Marlee) Franzen of Arlington, VA; Dr. Douglas (Ashley) Franzen of Lake Forest Park, WA; and Daryn (Carol) Franzen of Bartlett, TN. Wayne and Ellie have 9 grandchildren: Maggie and Marty Baker; Alexi, Abigail and Andrew Franzen; Max and Miles Franzen; and Ellen and Joe Franzen.

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