Elizabeth Jean "Beth" Franz

Elizabeth Jean "Beth" Franz, an amazing woman with a deep faith softly went on to heaven on March 13th. Beth loved and had a word of blessing for everyone she met and could always be counted on to share a good story. Beth was born April 7th, 1928 to Anna Mae (MacVicar) and Bernard Andrew Flanagan in Antigo, Wisconsin where she grew up happy, healthy and loved. She met Ollie Franz in 1948, knew he was the "one" and said yes six weeks later. Beth and Ollie were married on November 26th, 1949 at St. John's Catholic Church in Antigo, WI, and had 63 wonderful years together.
Ollie and Beth moved to Appleton in 1959 where they raised their family. Together Ollie and Beth were members of Stardusters dance club and bowled on the KC couples league. Beth also bowled in a ladies league into her 80's. She was very artistic and creative and used those gifts to make a warm, welcoming home. She painted in acrylics, oils and water colors, enjoyed calligraphy and was especially gifted in quilting, creating complex scenes and items. Beth enjoyed life!
Beth was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church for 66 years. In 1960 Beth designed the very first baptismal gowns for the parish. She was challenged by Sr. Alphonsa to teach Religious Ed saying "If I can do it, you can!" Beth took the challenge, though feeling inadequate, and taught for many many years asking the Holy Spirit for guidance for every class. She was a member of Christian Mothers as well as a Eucharistic Minister and a lector.
Survivors include her children: Mary Brown of Appleton and their children Christy (Markeith) and Joe (Rachel) Brown; George (Debbie) Franz of Hortonville and her children Jordin (Kristie), Andrea (Jon) and Hannah (Sam); Daughter in law Angie Franz; Ann (Toney) Fidler of Mineral Wells, TX and their children Holly (Paul) Duesterheft, Elizabeth (Steven) Crowe and David; Daughter in law Darcie Franz, Heidi; Jean (Bill) Golubeff of Appleton and their children Gabe and Will; and Andy (Becky) Franz of Plover and their children Bethany, Sam and Victoria. She is also survived by great grandchildren; Kayla (Dexter), Kelly, Ben, Mike, Olivia (Kevin), Rhiannon, Teddy, Freddy, Annarose, Franz, Ollie, Ben, Cate, Evan, and Gabby and several great- great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Beth was preceded in death by her parents Ann and Ben Flanagan; her husband Ollie Franz; her sons Jim Franz and John Franz; Son in law David Brown; grandson Ben Fidler; sisters Eleanor Hugunin, Mary Jane Donohue and Tisha Flanagan; and brother Bill Flanagan.
A special thank you to the staff of Brewster Village who always cared for our mom with love and compassion. We will miss you too.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11:30 AM on Wednesday, March 19th at ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 500 W Marquette St, Appleton, with Fr. Juan Carlos Altamirano officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 AM until the hour of service. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Appleton.
See you later Mom, Gram, Great Grandma. We will dearly miss you!
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