Kenneth Franzheim II

The Honorable KENNETH FRANZHEIM II passed away Monday, October 29th at 9:30 a.m. at his home in Houston. He died peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 82. The youngest of three children, he was born in New York City, NY on Sept 12, 1925, the son of Kenneth Franzheim II, one of Houston's most renowned architects, and Elizabeth Simms Franzheim. After graduating from St. Paul's School in 1943, Kenneth served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1945, and graduated from Yale University in 1948. During a successful 50 year career in the oil and gas industry, he was appointed by President Nixon as Ambassador to New Zealand, Western Samoa, Fiji, and Kingdom of Tonga from 1969 to 1972. In addition to carrying out his responsibilities with distinction and the diplomacy for which he was well known, he continued his keen interest in horse racing. For most of his life he was a resident of Houston and a devoted member of St Martin's Episcopal Church. He was a committed supporter of the University of Houston and established their Rare Books Room. He held memberships at the Houston Country Club and the Bayou Club. He is survived by wife Jorgina Alcayaga Franzheim, her children and grandchildren, and by his children Roberta Franzheim Nichols, Sabrina Franzheim Fleming, and Pamela Franzheim Tower, and by his grandchildren Kenneth Stokes, Augustus Nichols, Atticus Fleming and Phoenix Fleming. He suffered the tragic loss of his daughters Larisa Franzheim Stokes and Melita Franzheim. He was blessed with the loyal employment of Chen Ming Yang for 30 years. Steve Morris provided 20 years of steadfast service, and Ada Zapata was a loving caregiver. Kenneth will be best remembered for his dry sense of humor, love of adventure, dashing good looks and elegant charm. The memorial service will be held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Friday, November 2nd at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow at his home. Donations can be made to Houston Area Parkinson Society and Houston Hospice.