8/13/1950 – 05/08/2023
Lewis L. Franzen was a devoted husband, loving brother, doting uncle, and loyal friend. He passed away peacefully at his home on May 8, 2023 at the age of 72. Lewis was born in Denver, Colorado on August 13, 1950 to Floyd Franzen and Helen (nee Kamprath) Franzen. He attended Boettcher School in Denver, Colorado, graduating in 1968.
Lewis met his future wife, Diane Archer, at Information Handling Services, where they both worked for many years. They were married on July 24, 1976 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Denver.
Lewis played on Denver’s Rolling Cowboys wheelchair basketball team for 20 years. He also participated in archery competitions, played baseball and tennis, and enjoyed launching hot air balloons.
Lewis was an active member of his church. He and Diane served as youth leaders for several years, impacting many young lives. Some of their youth group members remain close friends today. Lewis was also part of the Worship Arts Team, playing guitar and singing at worship services.
Lewis’s most gratifying work was at Centennial Hospital, where he volunteered 5 days a week for more than 8 years, greeting and guiding patients through the hospital, and visiting and tending to family members as they waited on loved ones in surgery. In 2019, KMGH-TV honored Lewis with a Denver 7 Everyday Hero Award for his work at Centennial. According to Lewis, “Being able to make a difference in a patient or their loved one’s day is what fills my cup.”
Lewis is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald. He is survived by his wife, Diane Franzen; brother, Roger Franzen; uncle, Stan (Joyce) Kamprath; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws, who will miss him dearly.
Lewis had an unfailingly positive and caring spirit. His courage and enthusiasm for life were an inspiration to all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lewis's name may be made to either of the following charities;
Denver Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.
