Donald R. Franz
Wednesday, October 21, 1925
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Age:
87 years old
Visitation
Date: Wednesday April 10, 2013
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Wednesday April 10, 2013
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Grandview Memorial Gardens [ view map ]
Wednesday, October 21, 1925
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Age:
87 years old
Wednesday, October 21, 1925
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Age:
87 years old
Donald R. Franz
The funeral for Donald Ralph Franz will be at 11:00am, Wednesday April 10, 2013 at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Harry Jewison officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 92. Casket Bearers will be Justin Theel, Jason Theel, William Theel, Mark Theel, David Theel and Marty Franz. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Donald passed away on April 7th, 2013 at Zumbrota Care Center at the age of 87.
Donald was born on October 21, 1925 to Lora (Holst) Franz and Robert William Franz in Welch Minnesota. He moved a short time later to Hammond and then Rochester where he graduated from Rochester High School in 1943. He immediately enlisted in the US Navy, completing basic training he was assigned to serve aboard destroyer escorts, the USS Johnson and USS Rockaway. He was in the south Pacific during this time. A short time after WWII ended he was discharged. On July 31, 1948 Donald married LaRayne Reige at St. Francis Catholic Church n Rochester. Don was recalled to the Navy when the Korean War started and served on the USS Fulton which was a sub tender. In 1951 this was the first sub tender refitted with gear to tender to nuclear submarines. After the Korean War was over Don and LaRayne, settled in St. Paul where Donald worked as a union painter. They moved to Rochester in 1963. Donald and LaRayne separated in 1988 and she passed away on April 9, 2007. He resided in Rochester until August of 2012, until moving to Zumbrota to be closer to his nephew, Bill Theel and family.
Donald is survived by one sister Helen Reynolds of Rochester; many nieces and nephews; great and great-great nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by five brothers, Arnold, Robert, Harris, Emery and Vernon. He was also preceded in death by two sisters Marion Becker and Dorothy Theel.
Donald’s interest were camping, gardening, reading and watching Will and Kathy Theel’s family grow; Don always enjoyed seeing Justin and his girls and Jason & Rachel (Rebecca) and their two little ones. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Eagles, Local Union 681 and International P.A.T.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Donald R. Franz has received the following condolences.
Don you were such an important figure in our family and we will miss you dearly. Fair winds and quiet seas to you. I will always remember you telling me "that nothing is too tough for an old sailor" Love forever.
To my wonderful Uncle Donald who taught me that live is something to cherich everyday. He taught me how to paint when I moved in with Uncle Donald and Aunt LaRayne after I graduated from high school. His bar-be-que was the best and how to eat and cook a great cut of steak. He'd drink 3 beers and that was all the steaks needed. I will always remember all the fun we had when we would come and visit as children. He named me Skinny and he would always tell me not to stand sideways in the wind because the wind would blow me away. He was kind, wise, loving, caring and a wonderful Uncle. I love you Uncle Donald. May you rest in peace.
Farewell Uncle Don. You were such a kind, friendly loving uncle. You will be missed by all who knew you. May your spirit fly free.
Love, Cheryl
What a great soul, wish I would have known him longer and been able to spend more time with him, because he had some great stories to tell!! This man taught me a lesson in the short time I knew him and that is "live life to its fullest every day!" I will always remember, I was the one who got the "last kiss" from this fine gentleman. I am honored and humbled. Rest in Peace Don! Sympathies and friendship to all his family and friends! Love Julie