Arlyn D. Franzen

He was born in the family farm house in Leigh, NE, August 23, 1936 the son of Arthur L. and Elsa (Beecher) Franzen. His parents and a brother Donald preceded him in death.

Arlyn married Janice Joy Winkleman in 1960 and she preceded him in death in 1991. He later married Vicki Nass in Springfield, IL, Oct. 13, 2002 and she survives.

Also surviving are his daughter, Nancy (Brian) Richards of Red Bud, IL, his grandchildren: Grace Ellen, Jack Louis, and Sophie Camille Richards all of Red Bud, IL, Caleb Jason and Willow Breeze Sims of Springfield, and Gideon Robert Scott of Athens, IL, his step children; Erica K. Scott of Springfield, and Heather Scott of Athens, IL. He has two brothers; Louis (Mary) Franzen of Denver, CO and Norris (Patti) Franzen of Plattsmouth, NE, a sister-in-law Judy Whetstone of Columbus, NE, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Arlyn was a teacher. He moved to Springfield to serve as a teacher and principal of Concordia Lutheran School. He joined Springfield School District 186 in 1969 as a 7th grade math teacher and served there until his retirement in 1994. Arlyn returned to the classroom, teaching upper grades math and art at Our Savior’s Lutheran School in 1997 until his second retirement in 2005. Arlyn was instrumental in establishing the fine arts night at the school where students would display their creations for family and friends.

He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church LCMS and served faithfully on various boards, committees and as an usher. The last committee that he served with was the Stain Glass Window Committee and was most proud as they were installed in the church.

He was a talented woodworker, known for wooden picture frames. He made many of them which were then sold at various shops and markets in Winter Park, CO. Arlyn was an avid sports fan, mostly Nebraska Corn Husker Football and University of Illinois Basketball. He was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He had a passion for snow skiing and loved fishing, horseback riding and travel.

Cremation rites will be accorded prior to services by the Bisch Crematory.

Family and Friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church LCMS 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL beginning at 9:30 am until time a memorial service at 10:30 am. Rev. Joshua T. Traxel and Rev Dr. Wayne P. Hoffman will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorials in Arlyn’s name to Our Savior’s Lutheran School Fine Arts Department 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL 62704.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Bisch Funeral Home West 217-544-5424.