Harold "Harry" Franzgen

Longtime Taos resident Harald Karl Franzgen (Harry) died in his home on May 20, 2026. Born August 12, 1940 in Vienna, Austria to Karl Franzgen and Edith Plaschil, Harry grew up in Innsbruck where he developed a love for the mountains, climbing and alpine skiing. He was a downhill ski racer for the Austrian ski team and went to hospitality school in Vienna.

Harry originally arrived in the United State in the early 1960’s in Texas. He would eventually move to Vail, Colorado where, along with many other things, he worked as a stone mason building the hearths of some of Vail’s earliest homes. It was here that he met his wife Brooke Suzanne Meyer and they were married in Philadelphia in 1966. The young couple later moved to Houston where Harry worked as a chef and manager in the hospitality industry. Returning to Vail in the late 1960’s, Harry worked as an alpine ski instructor in the winter, and gave Jeep tours in the summer. He and Brooke also opened a popular night club known as the New Gnu. In June of 1973 Harry became a citizen of the United States. He and Brooke migrated south to Taos Ski Valley in 1974 where they realized their dream of owning and operating their own hotel. They ran The Hondo Lodge until 1992 and Harry Hondo become his moniker, remaining long after the hotel sold and he retired.

At their home in Des Montes, they fulfilled another dream raising and breeding Peruvian Paso horses. Harry was an avid outdoorsman. He explored Alaska while hunting and fishing on various occasions, even spending several seasons on a commercial fishing boat as an invited chef. He also explored most of New Mexico and Colorado in his truck and camper finding great fishing and hunting spots closer to home. His other passions included, woodworking, soccer, playing tennis, and scuba diving. He loved riding his motorcycle, especially on winding mountain roads. Most of all, he prized his independence. He could be a hard man to get close to, but his friends knew him to be generous and always willing to help when called upon.

Harry will be missed by many. He is survived by his loving children, Zach Franzgen (Agnes Wee), and Katya Franzgen-Dombach (Paul Dombach). A celebration honoring Harry’s life is being planned and will be shared at a later date.

The family of Harold Karl Franzgen (Harry) has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019