Richard Joseph Franzen

Richard Joseph Franzen of Batavia passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at his home. He was born to Verne and Joseph Franzen on July 24, 1934, the hottest day in the record books for Chicago. Richard was a proud graduate of Marmion Military Academy in Aurora. He served in the Korean War on the tanker ship USS Neches and was able to see the world. Richard was a lifelong employee of Western Electric/ATT in Montgomery and was fortunate to retire when he was just 50. This gave him plenty of time to enjoy his family and travel. Richard enjoyed so many things in life. He was a “car guy,” with a special fondness for red convertibles. Throughout his life he had many pups, most recently his rescue, Teddy. Richard loved to have his family and friends celebrate the Fourth of July and watch the fireworks from the perfect vantage point of his front yard. Richard was also a person who never met a stranger. He loved to talk to people about his family, cars, trips to Mexico, and how much he loved living in Batavia. With seven grandsons, he loved nothing more than to spend time with them supervising yard work, going for lunch, and checking out new car lots. Despite some health setbacks over the last few years, he always enjoyed getting together with his family to celebrate holidays, birthdays, weddings and other special occasions. In honor of a life well lived, please raise a glass in Richard’s memory and his love of a good beer. 

Richard is survived by his beloved children Kathy (Jim) Montanari of Batavia and Joe Franzen of North Aurora; his grandsons Dan, Joe, and Jeff Montanari; Christopher, Steven, Matthew, and Andrew Franzen; and Addison and Tyler Long; great grandchildren Mitchell, Levi, Owen, Logan, and Ellie Montanari, as well as two more on the way. He is also survived by his very dear friend and caregiver Diane Garland of Batavia, his sister Judy Kessler of Aurora; and special family friends Jason Long and Colleen Long.

He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church of Batavia, Batavia Seniors Club, and the Bell Telephone Pioneers. The family would like to express sincere thanks to the staffs of Northwestern Delnor Hospital, the VA clinic in North Aurora, the pastoral staff and church family of Bethany Lutheran Church, special Millview Drive friends, and the caregivers of Vita’s Hospice especially his nurse, Kim. 

Visitation will be at 9:30 am on Saturday, December 10, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S. Lincoln Street in Batavia. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 am, followed by interment at River Hills Cemetery in North Aurora. Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or Anderson Animal Shelter.