Franz, Peter C. (1870-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jun 2 p. 6

Birth date: 1870 Aug 30

text of obituary:

. . .

— Death claimed another of the pioneer immigrants from South Russia with the passing of Peter C. Franz, 84, on May 26 at Goessel. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Bethesda home for aged and the Alexanderwohl church. He leaves five children, Mrs. Dan (Esther) Thiesen of Newton, Mrs. John (Anna) Woelk of Goessel, Arthur of Canton, Albert and Peter of Goessel. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jun 16 p. 8

text of obituary:

PETER C. FRANZ

Peter C. Franz, son of Cornelius and Anna Rosenfeld Franz, was born Aug. 30, 1870, in South Russia and departed this life on May 26, 1955, at the age of 84 years, eight months and 26 days.

At the age of four years he came to America with his parents and they settled in Marion county west of Goessel, Kansas. He received his elementary education in the vicinity where they lived. He also attended the Rev. Peter Balzer School of which he related frequently in later life.

In 1891 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by Elder Jacob Buller and became a member of the Alexanderwohl church at which he remained a faithful member.

On June 18, 1903, he was united in marriage to Eva Schmidt by Rev. C. C. Wedel. The wedding text was Jeremiah 13:3, "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn thee." This text was very dear to him. In 1928 they had the privilege to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary.

To this union five children were born, all of whom survive. On Jan. 14, 1944, mother passed away. They shared married life for 40 years. Shortly before mother's death they moved to Goessel. He then made his home with his children in Goessel and lived for three years with his daughter Esther.

In the spring of 1950 his health failed and he suffered five years. On Jan. 17, 1955, he entered the Bethesda Home where he received the bet of care. He gradually grew weaker but little did we expect that his end was so near. A few hours before his passing he was taken to the Bethesda hospital where he died on May 26 at 3:00 a. m.

His was a life of hard work. He served as Sunday School teacher for many years and on the school board. He had done many a good deed and so also loved to serve at sickbeds. People were always welcome at his home, and so Carrie Schultz, nee Ratzlaff, was taken into the home. His was a life of prayer. He loved family worship. The children will always remember him as a dear and loving father.

He leaves to mourn his departure two daughters, Esther and her husband Daniel S. Thiesen of Route 2, Newton, Anna and her husband John Woelk of Goessel; three sons, Arthur and his wife Hilda of Route 2, Canton, Albert and his wife Marie of Goessel, Peter and his wife Ruth of Goessel; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. H. A. Schmidt of Hillsboro and Mrs. John A. Schmidt of Fresno, Calif.; and many relatives and friends. He was the last of his family. He had two brothers and a sister, all of whom passed on before him.

Funeral services were held on May 29 at 1:30 in the Bethesda Home with Rev.H. B. Schmidt officiating, and at the Alexanderwohl Church at 2:30 with his pastor, Rev. P. A. Wedel, in charge. Interment was made in the Alexanderwohl cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1955 Jul 26 p. 462 h