Ernest Frantz Jr.

Ernest "Ernie" Gene Frantz, Jr., passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Symphony at Orchard Valley in Aurora, IL. He was born on May 19, 1934 in Chicago, IL the son of Ernest G. and Ann (Amirante) Frantz, Sr.

Ernie was united in marriage to Diane Weber and they had many years together. Ernie was a proud Veteran of the United States Army serving with the Green Berets. Throughout his early life, he had several careers including Deputy Sheriff of Kendall County, IL, Police Chief of Plano, IL, working at the Joliet State Penitentiary, Joliet, IL, Valley View Boys School, and the owner of F & H Construction. Ernie owned and operated Frantz Gym in Aurora, IL. He was the founder of both the American Powerlifting Federation (APF) and the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) which led to many record holdings and huge notoriety throughout the world.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Diane Frantz of Oswego, IL; sister, Dolores Martin of Dekalb, IL; children, Laurie Sadler of Kokomo, IN, Jean (Randy) Hight-Kosek of Plano, IL, and Ernie (fiancé Rita) Frantz of Yorkville, IL; step-children Robin (Bill) Boroski of Sugar Grove, IL, Gail (Mike) Weir of Raleigh, IL, Dave (Eloise) Assell of Oswego, IL Dan (Deede) of (Oswego, IL) and Patrick (Sherry) Assell of Shabbona, IL; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ann Frantz, Sr; and his brother, Victor Frantz. Ernie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, step-father, brother and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 North Bridge Street, Yorkville, IL.

Friends may visit from 1:00 PM until the Hour of Service on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Yorkville, IL.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630) 553-7611.