Franz, Leonard (1848-1931)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1931 Apr 14 p. 13

Birth date: 1848 Oct 1

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1931 Apr 15 p. 5

text of obituary:

Leonard Franz

Leonard Franz, only son of Peter and Katharina (Wohlgemut) Franz was born near Warsaw, Poland, oct. 1, 1848. At the age of 18 years he was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and united with the church in Russia. On the 14th day of May, 1872 he was united in marriage to Eva Dirks. The Lord blessed this union with 11 children (6 sons and 5 daughters), of which 2 daughters preceded him to the heavenly mansions in their childhood years. In the year of 1875 he with his devoted wife and the one son came with others from Russia to the United States of America settling at first near Yankton, S. Dak. In 1881 they moved to a new settlement near Parker, S. Dak. and so became one of the pioneers of this near district in taking up a homestead. It was at this place that his beloved wife and mother of the family passed away on the 28th day of December, 1898. In 1902 a new settlement was sought once more and this time he with his children came to the state of Washington settling near what is now the Warden district and so became a pioneer a second time. When the Mennonite church at Ruff was organized in 1910, he became one of its charter members remaining a member there until his end. As the settlement near Warden was dissolving, he with his daughter Susie who were now living alone on the farm moved nearer to his children at Schrag 1921. The last years on the homestead and near Schrag his daughter Susie kept house for him and cared for him faithfully until his end. Thruout his entire life he was always well and strong and experienced very little of sickness until the last few years of his life here. In 1928 due to an ailment of rheumatism walking became impossible and so would move about with the aid of a rolling chair, or with the help of others. His final sickness that of Dropsy with other complications lasted about 3 weeks. He was a great lover of music and singing and enjoyed it ever so much when his children and others would sing; during such times, even while sick, he would join in by taking part of the songs. Many a time when alone he was heard singing. Among his favorite hymns were those in German, "Gott ist die Liebe"; and "Sicher in den Armen Jesu." During the weeks of his last sickness he was very content and patient. That of being content was an outstanding characteristic of his life. If any difficulties arose and clouds of worry were apt to gather heavy, finally he would say, "It will come out alright." Early Wednesday morning, April 1, 1931 at 7 o'clock, just as he had asked for a breakfast, very suddenly he answered the call of the Lord. He attained the age of 82 years and 6 months. he leaves to mourn his departure 6 sons, 3 daughters, 5 daughters-in-law and 2 sons-in-law, 38 grandchildren living, 2 having preceded him in death, and 3 greatgrandchildren, otehr relatives and many friends who loved him. They mourn not as such without hope for he went home to Him whom he loved. Funeral services were conducted from the Menno Mennonite church near Schrag, Washington, interment being made in the Mennonite cemetery near this church.

Rev. P. R. Aeschliman and Rev. M. J. Galle spoke words of comfort.

The Mennonite obituary: 1931 Apr 23 p. 14