Thursday, October 1, 2026
LaVern Ivan Franzen, 84, of Granbury, Texas, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born Jan. 12, 1941, in Denver, Colo.
LaVern became the youngest master plumber in Colorado and went on to earn Master Plumber certifications in multiple states. He owned and operated B&L Plumbing from 1975 until his retirement in 2004. He also served the public as a member of the South Adams County Water and Sanitation Board (1-964-1970) and as a Commerce City councilman (1970-1976).
After retiring from plumbing, LaVern fulfilled another calling by becoming an EMT with Pecan Plantation EMS, serving from 2006 to 2023. He received numerous honors, including Outstanding EMT-B and Crew Member of the Year awards. He was also an active volunteer within Pecan Plantation, serving on multiple PPOA committees and boards.
LaVern is survived by his wife, Beverly Franzen; siblings Karen Johnson (Gerald), Ellene Austin (Richard) Lois Clegg; children Barry Franzen (Kimberly), Blain Franzen (Lena), Becca Acken (Peter), and Brenna Trujillo (Anthony); eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Alvin Franzen.
A Celebration of Life will be held March 14, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. at the Pecan Plantation Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pecan Plantation VFD/EMS.
There will also be a Celebration of Life on May 3, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, from 1-4 p.m. at Balistreri Vineyards.
