Franz, Elbert D. (1916-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Oct 17 p. 8

Birth date: 1916 Sep 23

text of obituary:

ELBERT D. FRANZ

Elbert D. Franz was born at Moundridge, Kan. on Sept. 23, 1916 to David J. and Katie Reimer Franz. His life as a youth was spent in Buhler, Kan. Following one year of Business College in Hutchinson, he entered the employ of the Buhler Bank. All of his life was spent in bank work, administration, management and finance. At the time of is passing he was manager of the Kern Loan Company in Shafter, Calif.

At an early age he realized his lost condition and he received Christ as his personal Saviour in November of 1927. The following summer he gave his public confession of faith by following the Lord through the waters of baptism and becoming a member of the Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church. Rev. P. R. Lange, the pastor, officiated.

He moved to California in 1941 and became an employee of the Bank of America working in various bank branches throughout the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley.

On April 6, 1945 he was united in marriage to Rose Friesen at Inman, Kan. The Lord blessed this union with two sons and two daughters. The new family took up residence in Shafter, Calif. and became members of the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church on Oct. 14, 1945. In Shafter he was employed by Maple Leaf Enterprises and served as general manager for a number of years. In 1959 he became founder and general manager of Kern Loan Company and remained in their employ until his death. He was active to local and regional church work. He served as conference treasurer in the Pacific District and on the Board of Trustees for 13 years.

When he learned that the dreaded disease of cancer was ravaging his body he shared his condition with the people of our church and together we prayed to God for help. For each day of life he thanked the Lord. Early Tuesday morning, Sept. 17, 1963 at the age of 46 years he quietly slipped away to be forever with the Lord.

Remaining to mourn this great loss is his widow, Rose; four children, Sally, Mark, Randy and Marilyn; his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Franz of Buhler, Kan.; two brothers, John W. Franz of Buhler and Bob Franz of San Jose, Calif.; three sisters, Mrs. Harold Jost and Mrs. Leslie Suderman of Hillsboro, Kan., and Mrs. Paul W. Ratzlaff of Alhambra, Calif.; two other brothers, J. W. Willard Flaming of Halstead, Kan. and Rev. Arthur Flaming of Dallas, Ore.