Eric C. Franz

1970 - 2025

Eric C Franz

October 25, 1970 - January 21, 2025

Eric Franz, the beloved son of David and Nancy (Sickinger) Franz was born in Freeport, IL on October 25, 1970.

Eric had many roles in a life that ended too soon as he passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2025. He was a wonderful son, father, husband, brother in-law, father in-law, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Eric's Franz, Sickinger and Ward families loved him dearly. Eric was preceded in death by his father David Franz. He is survived by his mother Nancy Franz of Lena, IL, his love Danyell Franz of Oregon, WI, his daughter Tonya (Phil) Natkins of Milwaukee, WI, his aunts Cindy and Vickie, his cousins Steve, Kristen, Kirstan, Kendra and Ashley, his niece and nephews, Chelsea, Zack, Blake and Hunter.

Eric graduated from Lena-Winslow High school in 1989 with exemplary academic and sport records. He went on to pursue a BA in History from Western Illinois University, graduating Cum Laude in 1993.

Eric was a talented musician, as well as a prolific songwriter and vocalist from Lena, IL. He played in multiple bands throughout the Madison area. Inspired by music at an early age in Fife and Drum Corp with his father, playing with other musicians during his primary school and college years and forming the bands Rover 13 and DSP, Eric always made playing music look easy due to his immense creativity, dedication, passion and appreciation for music.

Eric had a great love of basketball and took many to task on the court. Competitive, intelligent, articulate, kind, handsome, a bit of a perfectionist, and a mentor to many, there will never be anyone quite like him.

With his many fine attributes, Eric was also an amazing dancer. From instigating living room dance parties where PacMan fever was high and The Gap Band was dropping bombs to late night jam sessions, Eric had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome and loved.

Eric will be greatly missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to know him. His beautiful smile, warm hugs and contagious laugh drew us all to his wonderful soul. The world was a much better place with him in it and his passing is a tremendous loss to us all.

A celebration of Eric's life will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local public school music program. Eric would love that.