David F. Franzen of McKinney, Texas passed away July 11, 2021 at the age of 75. He was born on November 15, 1945 to Floyd and Ruth (Mack) Franzen in Burlington, Iowa. David was a gentle, caring man who wanted to serve; he became a Carmelite priest and taught Religion and Ethics at college and high school levels. He officiated the marriages of his sister, Linda and husband, Chris as well as his brother, Don and wife, Rosemary. After a time David left the priesthood and continued his life of service with the Catholic Big Brothers of America in Los Angeles, as the executive director. Later he married Maureen Maloney and their son Erik was born in May of 1978. Maureen died four years later and David and Erik moved back to Texas to be closer to family. He then married Cathie Garrett on December 15, 1984. David loved family get-togethers in Seguin, Texas. He enjoyed coaching baseball, watching sports with his brother Don, especially his Dallas Cowboys. He was an avid golfer and loved sharing a glass of single malt scotch with Don. Unfortunately, David suffered with Parkinson’s Disease for 33 years but he never once complained. He was a really good man, loving son, brother, uncle, friend and beloved husband to Cathie and a terrific father to Erik and Tracy. He will be missed dearly by all.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cathie Franzen; son, Erik Franzen and wife, Maggie; daughter, Tracy Castaldo and husband, John all of whom reside in McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Michayla, Braeden, Ryleigh, Frank, Claire, Katelynn and husband, Dillon, Jacob, Morgan, and Luke; great granddaughter, Reagan; siblings, Donald Franzen and wife, Rose of Austin, Texas, Linda Gray and husband, Chris of Spokane, Washington, Richard Franzen and wife, Jan of Houston, Texas, Carl Franzen and wife, Kathy of Seguin, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families; his Carmelite family and extended family and friends all over the world.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Ruth Franzen; first wife, Maureen Maloney Franzen; niece and Goddaughter, Dawn Marie Franzen Harvie.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 27, 2021 at St. Jude Catholic in the main sanctuary and immediately following the mass will be the internment of David’s ashes to the Columbarium also located at St. Jude Catholic Church. Reception to follow in church hall. The service will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/stjudesacraments.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.