Norman J. Frantz

NORMAN J. FRANTZ AUG. 28, 1917 - AUG. 26, 2007 Dearest husband, proud father, loving grandfather, dependable and fun-loving friend of all died Sunday August 26, 2007. Norman's last days were spent at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA, surrounded by family and friends.

Norman was born in Wichita, KS on August 28, 1917 and moved to Empire, CA, in 1929. He was one of eight children born to Zoe and Reverend M. S. Frantz. He was preceded in death by his sister; Ruth Frantz, Laura (Peggy) Cunningham, and Lucille Overholtzer and by brothers; Howard, and Bob, and daughter Cindy.

Norman served in the Army's occupation forces in Japan after WWII. He met the love of his life, Ellen Shirk, at the Empire Church of the Brethren, where his father was minister. He married Ellen on August 28, 1938. He and Ellen raised two boys, Barry and Lyndall, and one daughter, Norma.

Norman had a zest for life and unlimited optimism and energy. He had many passions including his family and his Lord. He was a member of the Empire Church of the Brethren and was treasurer, board president and a board member during his life. He was one of the first volunteers for the Empire Fire Department and served for 39 years. When his boys were young he became involved in Boy Scouts of America and earned the Silver Beaver Award for 29 years of service. He remodeled and added on to the first home he and Ellen lived in Empire and their second home in the country. He loved to play Rook, bowl, play golf and work in his wood working shop. He built many tables, clocks, animal sculptures, vases, and even built grandfather clocks for most of his children and grand children. He bowled and golfed for close to 30 years. He was a residential and commercial painting contractor in Modesto for 50 years.

Norman is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Ellen; daughter, Norma Lutes (Boyce) of Ceres; son Barry (Barbara) of San Luis Obispo; and son Lyndall (Lois) of Modesto; grandchildren Bruce Lutes; Joy Slaybaugh (Troy); Michelle (Dennis) Arjo; Carina Santelmann (Neal); Kerby Frantz (Heather); and Laura Radcliffe (Mike); great-grandchildren Avery and Marlena Arjo; Sara, Katie and Seth Lutes; Rochelle and Torrie Slaybaugh; Harley and Tanner Radcliffe; Dashiell Santelmann. He is also survived by brothers Max Frantz (Joeana) of Quincy, CA; and Clifford Frantz (Ethyl) of Tollhouse, CA.

Graveside services will be on Friday August 31, 2007 at 2:00pm at Lakewood Cemetery in Hughson. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Empire Church of the Brethren on Sunday September 2, 2007 at 12:30pm.

Remembrances can be made to Heifer Project International, Ceres, CA or Empire Church of the Brethren.

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