Barbara Pauline Franzen

Barbara was born on July 28, 1936 in Arpan, SD to William and Pauline (Zorn) Yaeger. She joined her older sister Dorothy Ann and brother William "Buddy" Yaeger.

The family settled on a farm in Nisland, SD. Barbara graduated from Nisland High School in 1955. Blessed with a close family and many lifelong friends, Barbara moved to Tacoma, WA with her husband Clayton W Franzen where he was stationed at Ft. Lewis Army Base. It was there that they welcomed their first daughter, Sandra in 1956.

The small family returned to South Dakota and made their home in Rapid City. Michael, Lynn and Koni joined sibling Sandra, rounding out their family of six.

Barbara worked outside of the home as a dental hygienist and ultimately retired from the State of South Dakota as a deputy clerk of courts in 1995, at the age of 60.

Barbara embarked on her best life after retirement. In 1997, she joined her youngest daughter, Koni, in Eagle River, AK, where the young family was stationed. Barbara loved Alaska and immersed herself in the culture and all it had to offer.

Barbara was a talented artist and gathered inspiration for many of her oil paintings while in Alaska.

Barbara returned to Rapid City in 2001, when Koni and her family were stationed at Ellsworth AFB. She continued living with Koni and her family for another year.

Barbara moved to Nampa, ID in 2002 to be close to Sandy who lived in Boise. Barbara bought a lovely home and flourished as a gardener. With her beloved dog Johnnie by her side, she created a rich life for herself in Nampa.

She was active in her church, a very good bowler, earned her Master Gardener Certificate, had a wickedly funny sense of humor and surrounded herself with many dear friends.

Barb is survived by her daughter Sandy Franzen of Denver, CO; her son Michael (Vicki) Franzen of Rapid City, SD; daughter Lynn Thomas of Denver, CO and daughter Koni (Dave) Thiede of Soldotna, AK. Her grandchildren Ashlie (Anthony) Higgins-Middleton, Sam (Samantha Crawford) Thomas, Jade (Jeremy) VanDeBogart, Kimberly (Alex O'Toole) Franzen, Aidan (Megan Murphy) Thomas, and Alisa Thiede. Her great grandchildren Haruki VanDeBogart, Natsuki VanDeBogart, Kaydin O'Toole, Emerie O'Toole, Katheryn and Quinn Thomas. Not to mention her many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Pauline Yaeger, her sister Dorothy Ann Ross, brother-in-law Jim Ross, her brother William "Bill" Yaeger and sister-in-law Donna Yaeger.

Barbara was loved and cherished and will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating in Barbara’s name to Alzheimer's Association – Colorado Chapter 3773 Cherry Creek N Dr West Tower, Suite 700 Denver, CO 80209 or to Project Angel Heart 4950 Washington St Denver, CO 80216.

Barbara will be interred at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche, SD at a later date.