Franz, Ernest (1865-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Jul 2 p. 1

Birth date: 1865 Apr 14

text of obituary:

Well Known Physician Called Away Recently At Berne, Indiana

DR. ERNEST FRANZ, 76, DIED AT HIS HOME THERE FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 27

At Berne, Ind., Dr. Ernest Franz, 76 year old physician widely known in Indiana and Ohio, died at his home there Friday evening, June 27. Thus his community-wide service of 48 years has come to a close.

The June 30 issue of the Berne Witness gives the following resume of his serviceful life:

In hundreds of homes in Berne and community today there is sorrow for the passing of Dr. Ernest Franz, 76, prominent local physician who died at 7:17 Friday evening of a cerebral hemorrhage at his home on West Main street.

Hundreds attended the final rites which were held at the Mennonite church this afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. He was a member of the church for many years. Dr. C. H. Suckau, pastor of the church officiated.

Dr. Franz was Berne's oldest pioneer physician having been a resident here all his adult life and practicing medicine here and in a wide community for 48 years.

He was seriously ill since June 11, soon after his return from the west coast where he visited his daughter, Mrs. Walter (Flora) Krehbiel at Lemon Cove, Calif., and other relatives and friends. His illness was diagnosed as diabetes.

Dr. Franz was a native of Switzerland being born April 14, 1865 in Canton Basel-Land, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Schaad Franz. He came to the United States with his parents as a boy and the family settled in Berne.

The decedent attended Hahneman medical College in Chicago, from which he received his medical education and degree in April of 1893. Following his graduation he opened an office here and continued in active practice for nearly a half century.

Dr. Franz was always interested in the good and beautiful. He was a member of the first quartet formed in the late eighties in the Mennonite church. The other members were J. f. Lehman, Moses Moser and Fred Rohrer. He was also an artist. For many years in order to attract the attention of pupils in Sunday School classes he printed the title, theme and Golden text of the lesson neatly and a corresponding illustration drawn attractively for the children. Everyone who attended worship services in the old Mennonite church can recall vividly the large expertly done motto:

"Selig sind die Gottes Wort hoeren und bewahren,"

made by the deceased. It has and will serve as a sermon to many in years to come. He was also a member of Berne's first orchestra organized in 1889, directed by theoplius Schildknect. he played the violin. The other members were Joel Welty, D. C.Neuenschwander, Joel Moser, David Bixler, John Sprunger, Fred Eichenberger and Frank G. Haecker.