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Wayne Elmer Franzen

October 18, 1939 - May 23, 2026

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Obituary For Wayne Elmer Franzen

We bid farewell to Wayne Elmer Franzen of Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, whose journey of life gracefully concluded on May 23, 2026, at the age of 86. Wayne touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, and kindness, leaving behind cherished memories that will echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born on October 18, 1939, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Elmer and Astrid (Johnson) Franzen, Wayne earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University, a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a doctoral degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He moved to Pittsburgh in the early 1960s to join Westinghouse / Bechtel Corporation, where he enjoyed a 47-year career with Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, dedicating his life’s work to the design of nuclear propulsion systems.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet Elizabeth, née Shirley; children Sally Kane (Brian), Susan Franzen, Peter Franzen (David Gotwald), and Anna Balducci (Anthony); brother, Kenneth Franzen (Sherry); grandchildren: Joshua Kane, Emily Kane, Benjamin Balducci, Austin Balducci, Noah Brown, Colton Balducci, and Adelaide Balducci; and cherished nieces and nephews.

A lifelong lover of music, Wayne played trombone in his high school and college marching bands and later sang with the Mendelssohn Choir. He was a devoted member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for 53 years, serving as a member of the choir for decades and serving as church council president, treasurer and choir director. Wayne’s commitment to service extended into the community as well; he was a longtime leader of the Lutheran Service Society, serving as president for many years, and contributing his time and expertise to numerous other boards and causes, including the Southwestern Pennsylvania Lutheran Synod and Camp Agape. In later years, he was an avid cyclist and member of the Silver Cyclers senior cycling group. Above all, Wayne found immense joy in his family, especially his seven grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Friends and family are welcome for visitation on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., (412) 881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, PA 15227. A second visitation will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 400 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to a luncheon at The Georgetown Centre, 526 E. Bruceton Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236 at 1:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wayne’s memory can be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Heifer International, or to The Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Research and Education in Interstitial Lung Disease at the University of Pittsburgh.

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Condolences

  • May 27, 2026

    Henk Bossers

    I greatly enjoyed working with Wayne on Christian Service Projects. He was a noble compatriot in helping strangers receive help in their dire circumstances. Plus, I missed bicycle riding and lunch with Wayne for the last few years. A great person.

  • May 27, 2026

    Mike Sting

    One of the gentlest of souls I ever had the pleasure to work with. Wayne has left us with a trail of good memories.

  • May 27, 2026

    Bob Osterman

    I worked with Wayne for many years on cutting edge technology associated with nuclear propulsion plant component design and fabrication. He was a gentleman and a scholar. I learned a great deal of technical and management skills from Wayne. Bob Osterman

  • May 27, 2026

    Paul Cahill

    I had the pleasure to work with Wayne for years at Bettis. Good man. Kind soul. Surely missed.

  • May 26, 2026

    Dustin Ferrero

    What a loss. Dr. Franzen was one of the kindest, most intelligent people I've ever known. In my treasure trove of memories, I will never forget: Fritz the dog, Dr. Franzen test driving my various teenage cars, and his patience with me doing the worst lawn job in the history of lawn jobs. Picture Drive in Pleasant Hills will never be the same.

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