Franz, Helena Regier (1882-1974)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1974 Oct 31 p. 11

Birth date: 1882 Aug 10

text of obituary:

MRS. CORNELIUS FRANZ

Helena R. Franz, daughter of Jacob and Katherina (Regier) Regier, was born on Aug. 10, 1882 at rural Moundridge, Harvey County, Kansas. She received her education at the Paris rural school.

She attended the Hebron Mennonite church from childhood on, and in the family home she learned to know her personal Saviour. On Sept. 6, 1903 she was baptized by Elder Bernhard Buhler and became a member of the Hebron Church, of which she remained a faithful member until her death at age 92.

Preceding her in death were Dave Lohrentz and his son Milton and Mary Lou Franz, daughter of P. T. Franz. Mother's deceased brothers and sisters were Abe R., Jacob R., John R., Marie R., Sarah R. Regier, Mrs. Peter Lohrentz, and Mrs. Abe Siemens.

On Feb. 28, 1915 she married Cornelius Franz of Inman, Kan. This union was blessed with one son, Elmer R. Franz of Inman. He survives with his wife Elizabeth and their son, Curtis; the step-children Jacob C. and wife Nettie, Buhler, John P. and wife Sara, Inman, Sarah A. Lohrentz, Inman, Peter T. and wife Selma, Inman, Henry E. and wife Gustie, Buhler, and Anna E. and husband Henry Reiswig, Buhler; and one sister-in-law, Mrs. John R. Regier, Buhler.

The Franzes left the farm and moved to Buhler in August 1928 for retirement. Her father passed away on April 12, 1940. Mother stayed in the home until Oct. 13, 1958 when she had a sale and moved into the Sunshine Home at Buhler, where she spent the last 16 years of her life. She died Sept. 27, 1974.

She was a kind, willing helpmate to our father on the farm, and she loved to work in the garden with her flowers. It can well be said of her that "she spreadeth out her hands to the poor, yea she reacheth her hands to the needy" (Prov. 31:20). Many a piece of material was made into a garment and quilts for relief. — The Family.