Lyle Earl Franzen

Lyle Earl Franzen, 64, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and friends at home in Glasgow, Mont. 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. 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, Mont., 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 at 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.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Kayleen Franzen and his parents, Bill and Maggie Franzen.

Lyle is survived by his wife DeeDee; son, Jesse (Joice) Franzen, and daughter, Jennifer Franzen; three siblings, Bill Franzen, Lorna (Wayne) Pitman and Dale (Augie) Franzen; one sister-in-law, Jill (Scott) Sanders; father-in-law, Robert Jackson; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Services were held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 12, at 10 a.m. Immediately following the internment of his ashes at Highland Cemetery, a reception was held at the Glasgow VFW. Honorary Pallbearers: Wayne Pitman, 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 Olympics.