Franz Anton Kautz

Franz Anton Kautz, of Southampton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. He was 87. Franz was born in Philadelphia to Sophia (nee Perzel) and Anton Kautz. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty (nee Kibelstis); his children, Franz Andrew (Sarah Schumacher), John Anton (Margaret Swope), Christina Lauro (Matthew), Elizabeth deGuzman (Jean Paul) and Katherine Fash (Christopher); grandchildren, Alexander, Catherine, Thomas, Matthew, Samuel, Josephine, Benjamin, Ryan, James and Liam.
Born December 26, 1937 at Temple University and was the oldest child of Anton and Sophia. Siblings, Mary Theresa and John Clemens followed. An immigrant family, they worked long hours together in the family business of Tony's Taproom on Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia. Attending St. Williams grade school, LaSalle High School and then Drexel University's five year co-op program, he graduated as a mechanical engineer. He found himself applying his expertise in heating/ cooling systems as well as hatchback trunk springs- which he in fact owned a patent for his design.
His life changed when his sister, Mary, teamed up with her friend, Dorothy, to introduce him to a woman named Betty Kibelstis during a party at his cabin in Trumbauersville. He offered, but she declined a ride home. "Life happened", and a year later he gave Betty a call, and realized she was the love of his life. Within six months, they were engaged, bought a house on 1353 Strathmann Drive and were married. What later resulted in five children, 10 grandchildren and 55 wonderful years of memories together.
Life included volunteerism as a 4H leader, running church ski trips, coaching soccer for his children's teams, elected township supervisor, township planning commission member and OLGC's St. Francis Senior Club. He was always available to anyone- family, neighbors, friends- to renovate, fix or design anything that was needed. Using Autocad was often required, even for the simplest of projects. He deeply enjoyed skiing, model railroading, pinochle, woodworking, assisting Betty at their Kautz daycare/ summer camp (only open for grandchildren) and tinkering in his workshop.
He died surrounded by his family, sharing stories, prayers and telling jokes (some in German and some which Betty won't allow to be repeated ). His influence on so many is impossible to measure and he was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
Relatives and friends are invited to Franz' Life Celebration on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 10 to 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 611 Knowles Ave., Southampton, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00. Interment will immediately follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Langhorne. Donations in Franz' name may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Francis Senior Club, 611 Knowles Ave., Southampton, PA 18966 or to Our Lady of Good Counsel. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mcgheegivnish.com.