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Jerry Franzel Obituary
JERRY BRUCE FRANZEL Jerry Bruce Franzel, such a special gentle soul, has left us today to move on to another journey. He battled kidney cancer in 2009 and won but the lung cancer was a fight he lost. Due to a broken hip then pneumonia he passed peacefully with his family by his side. He leaves behind his soul mate and love of his life, Page Franzel married 22 years as of July 22. His daughter Marnie MacLean of Los Angeles, sisters Lori Franzel and Judy Rosenthal-husband Steve St. Louis, Mo as well as Maria Rudder, his wife's daughter and grandkids Will & Sophie Rudder of Frankfort KY. Jerry, born March 14, 1942 in St. Louis Mo to Evelyn and Bob Franzel was a star baseball athlete growing up at University City High School in St. Louis, MO. After attending the University of Illinois briefly he graduated with a Master degree from Washington University in St. Louis MO. His career in retail began with Neiman Marcus in Dallas Texas as the store manager and from there he finally ended up in Honolulu, Hawaii running the Duty Free Shops for Hilo Hattie's. He then opened and co- owned The Village Beach shop in the Dole Cannery Square in Hawaii. Jerry met his wife, Page, there in 1985 and their many journeys began. Deciding to move to Atlanta from Hawaii was a major change but the family meant a lot and being closer was important. There Jerry moved into the executive search field and had great success while with DHR international. Thinking about retirement in 2002 they then moved to Delray beach, FL where he and his wife enjoyed the beach, their passion, his best 4 legged friends Pooker and Clinker, his American Cocker Spaniels and remodeling and reselling many homes, a great team. In 2005 Jerry decided it was time to move to a smaller community and after much research moved to Vero Beach, FL. where he knew they would stay the rest of their lives. Once there with his wife the notion to "retire" changed again and ended up helping to start his wife's Design business. A partnership was born and a business built from the ground up. Jerry loved being involved in the everyday business and advising throughout the process. Days after having his kidney removed in 2009 he became the proud owner of 2 adorable English Cocker Spaniels, Ali & Ziggy, they were inseparable. The dog park was their local hang out where he met many friends and they would sit around everyday discussing the world topics. Ali and Ziggy were healers and they tried numerous times to do just that, heal. Jerry leaves behind many friends as he never met a stranger as well as many friends he has had since 3 yrs old. He will be sorely missed by so many people but not as much as his adoring wife, Page and his healers Ali & Ziggy. He loved reading, doing the Sunday puzzle with his sister Lori religiously every Sunday and watching his favorite news and sports, He had a passion for food and loved cooking at home vs eating out, he would joke lets eat at Poo's, his nickname for his wife. A "Celebration of Life" is what he would have wanted so a light brunch will be held at The Vero Beach Spa & Hotel, Saturday, July 27th beginning at 10:30 and ending "when ever" (his favorite way to celebrate). Please make any donations to the Vero Beach Humane Society, the American Cancer Society or The Hospice in Vero Beach, FL. Paid Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Franzel
Sherry Miles
July 19, 2025
Jerry was one of the nicest person I ever knew. May he rest in peace. Sympathy to his family.
Sherry Miles
July 19, 2024
This gorgeous man who never acted that he was so good-looking was always to kind and gave sweet compliments to others.
Nancy (Kolman) Ventrone
July 19, 2024
I remember Jerry from U City High School; he was a popular, handsome guy who had a "hello" for everyone. I wish I had known him better, but I still remember his name from long ago. Our large graduating class (550?) is getting smaller and smaller but the names of friends have stayed with me.
Sherry Miles/Maltzman
July 19, 2020
Jerry was as kind as he was handsome. He was the sweetest dearest man. I know how much his family misses him. Rest in peace sweet Jerry.
Sandy Kornberg
July 19, 2020
Despite the passing of years, the memories of our friendship will never fade. Your wonderful years with Paige, and accomplishments beyond, are a tribute to the rich life you had. Through your years, you graciously touched so many!
Sandy Kornberg
July 19, 2019
Although many years have passed, the memories of the wonderful times we had together, on so many occasions, remain very strong....the photograph shown, certainly helps to reinforce those memories.....a very special friend to so many!
Sandy Kornberg
Sherry Maltzman
July 19, 2019
Hard to believe there will be another class reunion without Jerry. He was a gentle soul with a huge heart that held love and compassion for all.
Enjoying St. Louis September 2011 at Lori's
PAGE FRANZEL
August 19, 2014
My love, it's been almost 13 months since you left us for your last journey. I never thought that day would ever happen as I believed we would always be together. My life has forever changed as I have lost the flutter in my heart, the light in my eyes, my best friend and the true love of my life. I now have an angel on my shoulder who I talk to and ask for guidance everyday. You will never be forgotten, I will always be your Poo and you will always be the love of my life. I love and miss you so much, please be by my side until we are together again, I love you so much, your Poo
July 23, 2014
My "Gaag",
So hard to believe it has been a year since you left our lives. I miss you more than ever. You will always be in my heart and deep in my soul. Rest in peace, my sweet brother. "Love you more than life." Your "Boop"
January 23, 2014
Dear Gaag,
It's hard to believe that it has been six months since you left our lives. What a roller coaster ride it has been. I so miss our daily talks, your wisdom, sense of humor and all of the love and support you always gave me. I talk to you daily and only hope that you can hear me in heaven. As I always ended every conversation, "I love you more than life."
Your Boop
Margie Lewitt
October 1, 2013
Dear Lori
I had no idea until this afternoon that this guest book exists. I want you to know that I am deeply sorry for your loss. Reading the notes below and seeing Jerry's picture he clearly was/is the angel just as you describe through and through. Please know your love and admiration for Jerry is a reflection of the amazing, kind, beautiful person who you are.
To Judy, Steve, and all of the Franzel family, my condolences and prayers for gentle healing during this most difficult time.
With love,
Margie
September 29, 2013
Dear Gaag,
Just had a beautiful weekend in St. Louis celebrating your life with your wonderful sister-in-law, brother-in-law, Judy & Steve and your Poo. We did things that you loved in St.Louis. Had a great dinner on the hill, drove around U.City, hamburger/bacon pizza from Imo's, toasted ravioli and lot's of Martini's. It was just so nice being together telling stories of your life. Lot's of tears and laughter. Just know that you are loved so much!!!! Boop
August 13, 2013
My sympathy to the Franzel family.
Gloria Schmidt Urias
Russ and Toby Winer
August 8, 2013
Page,
It is difficult to tell you how deeply we feel about Jerry's untimely death.
Russ welcomed his company when we would get together on house renovations and I liked it because I was able to do a lot more with Russ distracted! We always admired the cheerful way he helped you and his willingness to get involved in your work activities. We are grateful that we had the chance to know him and to spend time together.
We want you to know that we are thinking of you. May your memories be a source of comfort.
Bob Flaherty
July 31, 2013
Page, Please accept my condolences. Jerry was a great neighbor and all round nice guy.
Elise Rich
July 30, 2013
Dearest Page, Lori , Judy and Steve,
My heart is broken for all of you. There was no better man, husband, brother or friend. Jerry was the bright shining star for so many people. What little time I actually spent with him was overlooked by the conversations we had over the phone over many years. His interest in my boys was overwhelming, and I always looked forward to Lori telling him about new and exciting things they were doing. He was special in so many ways. He left this earth way too soon, and boy is there a void. I feel that everyone that Jerry touched will strive to be a better person just to say " Jerry would have been so proud". The heavens have received such an angel. I am so proud to say that i knew and loved Jerry Franzel. I will always always have you in my heart.
Nichole Cottongim
July 30, 2013
When I think of Jerry I think of him on the beach in Hilton Head. That great tan, that smile, and a sly joke told so the kids can't hear.
He will be missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you.
The way we are meant to be, together as one
PAGE FRANZEL
July 30, 2013
I have lost the "love" of my life and the "life" in my day. Jerry was a very rare special man that always had a smile and would make me laugh no matter what he said. He was a kind, gentle, sweet, tender, romantic and loving soul. He has taken my heart and his soul to still be together until we meet again. I will never get over this loss as we were one and wanted it that way. He guided me in everything I did and I am looking for that guidance to continue, some how I know I will see that sign he is still with me. Jerry is someone no one would ever forget, he was my soft side and I will need to keep that part alive. I will never understand the direction God took by taking Jerry away at this point and time or this way but I think it was so there would never be any more pain or suffering. He didn't deserve any pain and fought so hard and tried to be so strong even when he knew he wasn't. I will always love Jerry and will wait to be back with him forever more. We were meant to be together. I love you so much, you have my heart so please save it until we are back in each others arms. Thank you for the last smile and calling my by my name you gave me, Poo. I am just so sorry I couldn't help you more, I tried, but we promised each other NO pain. Until then my love, your Poo..
July 29, 2013
Dear Page,
Vic & I are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I (Paula) was a classmate in Blackberry Lane Elementary School and Vic was a classmate since 9th grade at Brittany Jr High. In fact, Jerry was my first crush in 6th grade. Every time I hear the song Earth Angel, I remember dancing with this tall, dark, handsome guy. I even told you this at our high school's 50th reunion. My thoughts (Vic) are Jerry was one heck of a guy -very personable and a gentle person. Plus - he was an outstanding baseball player.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Paula(Finkelstein) and Vic Suroff
July 29, 2013
I played with Jerry on our HPV Fathers'Club team. In large part due to Jerry we won the whole thing!
He was a great pitcher but what I remember most was what a terrific guy he was. Steve Grand-Jean
July 28, 2013
Page, Lori, and Judy I am so sorry for your loss; Jerry was a terrific person and made people feel so comfortable when he was around them, he was truly interested & involved when you spoke to him! He cared. All our love Karen Franzel Hudis, and Phil Hudis
July 28, 2013
Dear "Gaag"
There are absolutely no words in the world to begin to explain how much I love you. I am so lucky to have had the most wonderful brother who was so kind and always looked out for me in so many ways. You know how much I always admired the love that you and Page shared together. What a lucky man you were and will always be!!! Thank you for everything that we shared over the years. You are the love of my life!!! Love you so much. Your "Boob"
nancy kolman ventrone
July 27, 2013
Terrific guy whom I only knew from afar; I will light a candle.
July 27, 2013
Page...Obviously there are no words to express the sadness Ellen and I feel about Jerry's passing. He and I shared so much through our formative years. Clearly, he was like a brother to me. We are so thankful for the time we were able to share with both of you this past June. His spirit was strong and he looked good. Those are the memories I will always hold of my dear friend. Special love and our deepest sympathy to you, Judy and Lori....Bob & Ellen Jasper
Morgan Tamsky
July 27, 2013
Little did many of us know that being with Jerry at our 50th H.S. class reunion would be our last. Though I wasn't a close friend of Jerry's I can say that he was always a gentleman in all my encounters with him and I never heard him say an unkind word of others. His passing is another erosion of my memories of a time which in retrospect was very special without being aware of this at the time. I know Jerry will be missed dearly by friends and family.
Susan Weintrub Kutner
July 26, 2013
Jerry and I go way back to Blackberry Lane Grade School and all the way thru U.City High. What a nice guy. So sorry to hear of his passing. Sorry I never met you Page and also didn't have the opportunity to see Jerry thru the years but I saw him at several of the reunions and he was as friendly as always. So glad I knew him.
Bill Turner
July 26, 2013
I'm so sorry we can't be by your side, Page. Jerry is one of my all-time favorite people & one of the greatest men I've ever known. It was my privilege and my honor to work beside him & learn from him. We love you both so much. All the best.....
Sandy Kornberg
July 26, 2013
A life-time friendship with Jerry, has left me with so many special and wonderful memories, which will never be forgotten.
It's a very sad occasion, but at the same time, it's comforting to know that Jerry touched so many people in such a positive way, and for that,we are forever grateful.
From Beth and me, please know that you are in our thoughts
At the 50th U City High reunion. I took this picture
Marshall Simpkins
July 26, 2013
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. What a good guy and what great memories. My condolences to Page and the family.
July 26, 2013
Grew up with Jerry. Sorry to here of his passing.
Don House
marilyn Salini
July 26, 2013
Paige, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you had a wonderful 22 years with a wonderful man. We from U.City High have fond memories of our large group of friends growing up together. Jerry was such a handsome, kind and gentle guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
July 26, 2013
I am shocked and dismayed to hear about Jerry. He was the best. I knew him from high school and he always was kind to me when I most needed it. I am so very very sorry.
...Sherry Miles
July 26, 2013
How shocking and sad to hear of this loss. My condolences to thw entire family and close friends. I was not a close friend only an admirer from afar since junior high school. He was always such a ray of sunshine with his bright smile and wonderful friendly spirit. Lost too soon. Melanie Rovin
Zvi (Skip) Sesling
July 26, 2013
A great pitcher a greater guy
My thoughts are with you all
Judith Resnick Vogel
July 26, 2013
He was my knight in shining armor in junior high when my then boyfriend broke u with me two days before a formal dance. Jerry even had a tux handy. I will always remember him for his kindness even way back then.
bernard larner
July 26, 2013
I always treasure our childhood friendship and wonderful memories. Innocent times
July 25, 2013
A light has gone out at the Dog Park. We will miss Jerry's smiling face and his gentle spirit. Jerry was a vital member of our Dog Park Community and was always ready to listen, share and offer advice or any type of help. We love you Jerry and Page, Beth Stryker
Vickie, Louis & Buddy Chavenello
July 25, 2013
Page, we never met but my husband, Louis, our rat terrier, Buddy and I are deeply sadden for your loss. Jerry was a joy to talk to at the doggie park. He will be sorely missed. God bless you and keep you strong. Vickie, Louis and Buddy Chavenello
Barbara Brewer
July 25, 2013
Jerry and Page were among the first people I met in Vero Beach, at the dog park of course. What a special bond we had. I will miss you my friend, Godspeed.
Barb Brewer Cncinnati
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