Franz, Robert A. (1914-2005)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2005 Feb 21 p. 11

Birth date: 1914 Dec 18

text of obituary:

ROBERT A. FRANZ

Robert A. Franz, 90, a lifetime resident of eastern Washington, died Jan. 27, 2005. He was born Dec. 18, 1914, on the family farm west of Ritzville, and lived for 86 years in the house he was born in, moving to Spokane in 2000.

He graduated from Lind High School in 1932.

He married Minnie C. Lund on May 28, 1944. Together they operated the family farm, raising wheat, barley and potatoes. He was one of the first farmers in the area to water crops by deep-well irrigation. He invented and built equipment to make early sprinkler systems more efficient. He was active in efforts to bring electricity to rural areas of Adams county in the 1940s. He served on the board of directors of Big Bend Electric Co-op in Ritzville for 43 years.

He was a member of Menno Mennonite Church, where he sang in the choir, served as deacon and in many other positions. He was active in Mennonite Church USA. He was treasurer of Pacific District Conference and served on the national boards of the Board of Christian Service, Commission on Home Ministries, Church Extension Services and Mennonite Mutual Aid Association. He served 12 years on the board of directors at Bethel College of North Newton, Kan. He served on the committee that got the land and oversaw construction of Mennonite Camp Camrec in the Cascade Mountains.

He and his wife loved to travel, visiting all 50 states, most Canadian provinces, Mexico and all the continents except Antarctica.

Survivors include his wife, Minnie; two sons, Jay Franz of Spokane and Delwin Franz and his partner, Mark Falango, of New Hope, Pa.; two daughters, Roberta Hodgson and her husband, J.C., and Carma Franz, all of Spokane; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Othielia Claassen; and three brothers, Julius, Edward and Arthur.

Memorial services were held at Menno Mennonite Church. Burial was at Menno Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Bethel College, North Newton, KS 67117; or the Camp Camrec Building Fund, in care of Menno Mennonite Church, 1378 N. Damon Road, Ritzville, WA 99169.