Edward "Pancho" Franz

Edward "Pancho" Franz May 25, 1923 - October 15, 2008 We sadly say good-bye and embrace the joyous memories of our friend and mentor, Pancho. Preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Josephine (nee Neuwirth) Franz, siblings, Tony Franz, Georgia Haire, Marie Anderson and Hennie Hofman of Wisconsin and long time companion, Martha C. Nelson of Tucson. He is survived by brother, Adolph "Ollie" Franz; brother-in-law, Warren Hofman, both of Wisconsin, many nieces and nephews and a multitude of Tucson friends. Legally blind, Pancho hitchhiked from Wisconsin to Tucson in 1950. He put himself through the University of Arizona and became a realtor, doing business as Monte Vista Realty. Martha became his partner and driver and they split sales commissions. He became her primary care giver at the end of her life. Pancho was a fearless bus rider, sometimes carrying a case of wine! Famous for his Christmas parties, he knew how to enjoy life and was a creative, generous and optimistic role model for all of us. He was a thorn in the side of the neighborhood developers and a great friend to his neighbors. A Mass will be held for Pancho at the Benedictine Monastery, 800 N. Country Club Rd. at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21 and another at St. Ambrose Church, 300 S. Tucson Blvd. on Tuesday, November 4 at 8:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The Benedictine Sisters, 800 N. Country Club, Tucson, AZ 85716 and St. Ambrose Church, 300 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.