Franz, John E. (1894-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Jan 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1894 Jan 14

text of obituary:

JOHN E. FRANZ

John E. Franz, son of John D. and Elizabeth Harder Franz, was born Jan. 14, 1894, near Buhler, Kan. Here he lived with his parents until he reached the age of 13, when they moved to Meade, Kan. It was here that father realized that he was a sinner and needed a Saviour. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Redeemer and on June 19, 1910, he was baptized upon his confession of faith and united with the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church.

On Nov.7, 1915, he was united to Lena Thiessen in holy matrimony. This happy union, which lasted 48 years, one month and 15 days, was blessed with three sons and one daughter.

We made our first home on a farm near Meade, where our father worked hard to earn a living from the soil. In 1935 we came to Reedley, Calif., where we made our home to the present time. Here our father worked at various jobs, mostly as a carpenter. He was happy in his work, and also found joy in attending the Mennonite Brethren Church where we worshipped regularly.

Our father loved his family and lived a life of dedication to others. He continually pointed his family to the way of the Lord and found great joy in his children and grandchildren.

The last night of his presence with us, we met as a family to commemorate Christmas. He led the family in a special prayer. Sunday morning, Dec. 22, 1963, he became ill and we rushed him to the hospital. It pleased the Maker on high to call him Home. We mourn because of the sudden departure but rejoice that he knew his Lord and went home to glory. He reached the age of 69 years, eleven months and 8 days.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Mrs. Lena Franz of Reedley; one daughter, Evelyn, Mrs. Schultz of Los Altus [sic Los Altos], Calif.; three sons, Earl of Reedley, Roland of San Jose, and Robert of Tulare, Calif.; His mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Franz of Dallas, Oregon; seven grandchildren, on son-in-law, three daughters-in-law; two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Steingard of Meae, Kan., and Mrs. Anna Friesen of Dallas, Oregon.

The memorial service was held Dec. 24 at the Cairns Funeral Home, Reedley, with Rev. Dan Friesen, pastor of the Mennonite Brethren Church, officiating. — The Bereaved Family.