Search by Name

Search by Name

Richard M. "Dick" Franz

1915 - 2017

Richard M. "Dick" Franz obituary, 1915-2017, Englewood, WI

BORN

1915

DIED

2017

Richard Franz Obituary

Franz, Richard M. "Dick" July 10, 1915 - February 12, 2017 "I still think the challenge to each of us is to become kind and compassionate to those around us." Richard M. Franz, "Dick" died on February 12, 2017 at the age of 101, well on his way to 102. Dick was an ordinary man who, despite great personal loss, through force of his will, an incredible intelligence and a generous spirit, lived an extraordinary life that continues to positively impact the lives of others. Our beautiful planet, so deeply revered by Dick, feels like a smaller, colder place already. However, his losses didn't deter him--Dick Franz modeled persistence. We must persist. Richard M. Franz was born in Milwaukee to Ella and Richard Franz on July 10, 1915. He graduated from North Division High School, and later from Milwaukee State Teachers College majoring in Art and English. Dick was a proud veteran of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Army Corps Mapping Unit during World War II. At age 100, he boarded an Honor Flight to the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. He married Maxine Hipkoe in 1944 and had two children, Erich and Emily. All three preceded him in death, as well as his parents and his only sibling, Edwin. His daughter-in-law, Nola Franz, of Everett, Washington, survives him. Dick's interests were wide-ranging, his involvements deep, his engagements with the community and fellow earth travelers were amazingly diverse and overwhelmingly positive. He lived his principles through advocacy, action and financial support. Dick and Maxine helped start the New Berlin Ecology Association that was an early promoter of household recycling in Waukesha County. In 1978, he co-founded the Waukesha County Environmental Action League (WEAL) a grassroots organization dedicated to the protection of Waukesha County's natural resources that is still going strong at nearly 40 years of age. After their daughter Emily died in a tragic car accident in her early 20s, Dick and Maxine started three local chapters of the Compassionate Friends to help bereaved parents cope with the loss of a child. They also established the Emily Franz Scholarship Foundation to grant scholarships to graduating seniors of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, where Emily taught fourth grade. Since 1980, the Emily Franz fund provided scholarships to 327 Shullsburg students totaling $863,000. Through frugal living and careful investing, Dick was able to generously support many causes and organizations about which he was passionate: American Friends Service Committee Environmental Defense Fund Greater Milwaukee Foundation Peace Learning Center Planned Parenthood Plowshares SHARP Literacy Urban Ecology Center Waukesha County Land Conservancy Waukesha County Environmental Action League Waukesha Public Library Women's Center of Waukesha Dick was an avid reader of non-fiction, typically reading several books at once. He shared his love of books with friends and was ready to engage in energetic discussions about the books' subjects and other timely topics. He wrote frequent "Letters to the Editor" published in both the Waukesha Freeman and the Milwaukee Journal advocating for innovative ideas to create a better community and world. Throughout his life, Dick opposed war, nuclear testing, and the House Un-American Activities Committee. He marched for peace, for civil and women's rights, for social justice. Dick and wife Maxine were active in the United Nations Association, Waukesha Chapter. They were awarded the YWCA's Peacemaker Award in 1997. In 2015, Dick was honored with Plowshare Center's Peacebuilder award for his lifelong commitment to social justice, peace and environmental sustainability. An avid bicyclist, Dick regularly biked 60 - 80 miles several times a week in retirement, riding from New Berlin to Retzer Nature Center and the Milwaukee Art Museum. For his 100th birthday, he canoed the Milwaukee River and received this tribute: Sharp as ever and still living life to the fullest, every day. Environmentalist. Conservationist. Artist. Reader. Leader. Inspirationist. Although he outlived nearly his entire family, he was greatly loved and will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched in the most profound ways. Donations in Dick's memory can be made to the Waukesha County Land Conservancy, Waukesha County Environmental Action League, or Planned Parenthood. A brief service will be held for his family of friends on April 29 at 12 PM at Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, 15250 W. Cleveland Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. A lunch will follow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Feb. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Franz

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

March 16, 2017

The staff and volunteers at the New Berlin Public Library will deeply miss Mr. Franz. We had the pleasure of working together to make sure he had the books and magazines he loved delivered to him at home every month. It was during these visits and phone calls that we got to know and care for Mr. Franz. He was so VERY well read and smart -- we enjoyed seeing what items he would request! He was a very special patron to all of us and he will be missed.

March 9, 2017

I knew Dick Franz my whole life and he inspired me in many areas. His John R. McDonald-designed house in New Berlin inspired me to also build one in tune with nature. I will miss our visits, occasions for him to share his latest readings.

Nola Franz

February 25, 2017

I am going to miss our weekly phone calls every Sunday. You are going to be missed. Lots of Love.

February 23, 2017

So amazed and blessed by Mr Franz and his family. We can never repay what you've given. Our daughter is an Emily Franz Scholarship recipient. Our gratitude is endless. God bless you all. The Hauser Family...Paige Steele Hauser SHS Class of 2016

Dr. Ed Anhalt

February 22, 2017

Although I never had the fortune to meet Dick Franz, I must say that I am sorry our paths never crossed.

This was definitely one of the most outstanding testimonials to "a one-time visitor to our planet" that I have ever read.

Thank you so much for positing Dick's accomplishments, along with the depiction of his "zest for life" Your posted obituary will most definitely make me be a more positive person during my remaining years.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Franz's name

Memorial Events
for Richard Franz

Apr

29

Service

12:00 p.m.

Blessed Savior Lutheran Church

15250 W. Cleveland Avenue, New Berlin, WI

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Franz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more