Franz Zimprich

1934 - 2023

Franz Zimprich a longtime resident of Orange County and a resident of Inyo County since April of 2018, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023 at his home in Big Pine, CA. He was born August 21, 1934, in Croatia to Emil and Ana. He had two older sisters, Eva and Maria and an older brother Mathias.
Franz and his family immigrated to Austria in 1944. At the age of 15 he began his longtime career as a cabinet maker, starting off by working in a cabinet shop and going to school to be an apprentice. He was also an avid soccer player. He met the love of his life Katharine in 1947 and they began their courtship in early 1955.
On his 21st birthday, August 21, 1955, he boarded a ship with his parents and brother to come to the United States. Katharine later followed him to the US in September 1956. They were married on November 17, 1956. They had three children, Peter, Frank and Monica. During their 61 years of marriage Franz and Katharine enjoyed going dancing, playing cards with friends and bowling. They also enjoyed visiting special places such as Laguna Beach, Las Vegas, Laughlin and Mammoth Lakes. Franz became very interested in baseball, learning the game by listening to Vin Scully of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In April 2018 Franz and Katharine moved to Big Pine, CA to be closer to family. After losing Katharine in May 2018, Franz moved in with his daughter Monica and son Peter to their house in Big Pine. He spent his time enjoying his three great- grandchildren and loved it when family would come to visit.
Franz was preceded in death by Wife Katharine. He leaves behind his children Peter, Frank and Monica, grandchildren Jamie and Michael La Bianca, Nicole and Phil West, Michelle and Paul Gill and Matthew Zimprich; great-grandchildren Palin, Logan and Landon West and many nieces and nephews. He will be forever missed.
A celebration of life will be held at a later time.