Katherine Elizabeth Franzen

With profound sadness and immense love, we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Katie, who left this world on June 3rd, 2026 at the age of 27.

Katie was born in Cadillac, Michigan, and was adopted into our family at six months old. From the very beginning, she brought joy, light, and love into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though her time with us was far too short, her impact was immeasurable.

A graduate of Desert Edge High School in Goodyear, Arizona, Class of 2017, Katie went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications with a minor in Business from Northern Arizona University in 2021. During her sophomore year, she spent a summer in Italy, where she embraced new experiences, learned to cook authentic Italian cuisine, and developed a love for the Italian language and culture.

Katie approached life with enthusiasm and an open heart. She loved so many things including music by Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Kenny Holland, Dutch Bros coffee, going to concerts, the show Friends, beautiful perfumes, and her involvement with Young Life. She had a special affection for animals and loved being a dog and cat mom.

Those who knew Katie will remember her for the qualities that defined her character: unwavering positivity, deep gratitude, and genuine empathy for others. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her smile could brighten a room, and her encouraging words often came exactly when they were needed most. Her favorite color was glitter—a fitting reflection of the way she lived her life, adding sparkle, light, and beauty to the lives around her.

Katie will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Though we grieve the loss of her physical presence, we are so very grateful for the countless memories she leaves behind. We will never forget her spirit of positivity and the sound of her laughter.

A celebration of Katie's life will be held on June 19th and June 28th, 2026. Please contact her father, Michael Franzen, for details.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Young Life (https://giving.younglife.org/s/) in her memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Katherine Elizabeth Franzen, please visit our floral store.