Franz Gottlieb Dufner – April 13, 1932 – April 05, 2015

Franz Gottlieb Dufner of New Fairfield, CT passed away in his home on April 5, 2015 with his beloved family by his side. Franz was born on April 13, 1932 in Seitingen, Germany. He was the son of the late Frieda and Sebastian Dufner. A master carpenter by trade, he graduated from the Berufschule in Tuttlingen and from “Zimmereifachschule Kress” in Tubingen-Lustnau, Germany. Franz worked in the family owned lumberyard and construction firm. Franz and his new bride Katharina “Katja” (Krὕger) married then left for the United States, planning to stay a few years which became 59 happy years. Arriving in October 1955, after the big flood, he was immediately employed with the Luke. F. Sweeney Company in Danbury (Local 210) with whom he worked most of his life. Franz and Katja traveled the world and went all over the United States and Canada in their beautiful camper often for 3 months or more. Franz was always drawn to explore, eager to see “what was around the next bend in the road”. Passionate about nature, Franz cared deeply for CT wildlife, tending the native animals that would venture into his backyard. He could identify most CT birds based on their song alone. He was also an avid gardener who instilled the love of gardening in each of his children. Throughout his life he loved to learn and as a result developed new hobbies whether it was beekeeping for many years, or during his retirement, baking and cooking. His family always looked forward to his specialty, “Opi’s cake”. Franz was an active member of the Arion Singing Society since 1956, and a member of The International Club of Newtown. He loved to sing and dance and was happiest when surrounded by his family. Franz is predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-laws Lotte and Herbert Kupferschmid and Hermine and Josef Fuchs. Franz leaves his lifelong partner and wife, Katja Dufner (nee Krὕger), three children and their spouses, six grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends both here and in Germany. Joining together to celebrate Franz’s life and memory are Bryan and Petra Dufner and their children, Matthew and Peter; Ronald and Carolyn Dufner and their children, Kevin and Emily; Heidi and Dirk Harkopf and their children, Isabella and Rebecca. Franz will always be remembered lovingly as a hard worker, dedicated to his family, and a true gentleman.

View Full Notice → Franz Gottlieb Dufner – April 13, 1932 – April 05, 2015