Don Q. Franzen

Don Q Franzen passed away on June 26, 2022, at the age of 92. He was born in Manatee County, Florida on July 23, 1929 to F.D. and Barbara Franzen. His family subsequently moved back to Topeka, Kansas where he and his four siblings: Gerald Gene, Jacquelyn Joyce, Dean Sanford and Marilyn Martha spent their youth. After graduating from Topeka High School, Don enlisted in the Air Force and served in Japan during the Korean war. Following his return to Topeka, Don met and married Barbara Brothers on April 17, 1953, in Topeka where their son, David Franzen, was born four years later.
Don began work in television at Topeka’s TV station, WIBW, moving up to become director and then Production Manager. He continued his career in Denver after moving the family to Boulder, Colorado, following a devastating Topeka tornado in 1966.

After short stints living in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Tucson and Flagstaff, Arizona, Don and Barb settled in Denver, Colorado for over 30 years. Recently they moved to Silverdale, Washington to be near their son David who resides with his family in Poulsbo, Washington.

Don is survived by his son David, daughter-in-law Annette, granddaughter Kristan and husband, and great-grandson Malakai Tiffany, his sister (Marilyn) Martha Smalley, who currently lives in Emporia, Kansas with her family, and Mary Franzen, who currently lives in Topeka, Kansas with her family. His wife, Barbara, passed away in 2021.

Don had many interests and was most noted for his generosity and helping others, especially children. He enjoyed all types of sports and closely followed his favorite teams and athletes. He also greatly enjoyed the outdoors. As a Boy Scout leader, he took his son David and other scouts hiking and camping year-round in the mountains of Colorado.
Don will be laid to rest in the Topeka cemetery with his wife and his daughter Renee Franzen who died in infancy. He will be sorely missed.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.