Albert F. Franz

Albert F. Franz passed away March 11, 2013 at his home on Fir Island, Mount Vernon, WA. He was born August 30, 1917 at the family homestead in Schrag WA. He was the fourth child of six born to Peter and Agnetha (Ewert) Franz. The Franz's were German immigrants, from the Crimea area in Russia where they had emigrated on agreement they would teach farming practices in exchange for relief from conscription (military draft). The family first settled in South Dakota then subsequently settled north east of Warden, WA. Al was raised on the homestead farm near Schrag, graduating from Lind High School in 1934. As the story goes, Al wanted to attend college, saving money for two years after High School and when his father gave him $200, he went to WSC and UW, graduating from the UW in Mechanical Engineering. There he met Jane Montgomery, who would become his wife of 58 years. He served his country during WWII as a civilian working for Boeing as a tooling engineer on various programs including the B47 bomber. Al was an independent thinker, with an entrepreneurial bent and returned to farming in the Columbia Basin Project in Block 49, west of Othello in 1953 with Jane and their two young sons, Paul and Jim. He later joined the Grant Co PUD working on Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams as construction inspector, mechanical maintenance supervisor, advancing to project engineer. Following retirement he and Jane traveled extensively all over the world. After Jane's death in 2000, Al spent the last 12 years with his special friend, Ruth Wylie, where they spent winters in Palm Springs, and the warm months in Kennewick and then recently on Fir Island.

Albert is preceded in death by his parents, wife Jane, son James, siblings Walter, Arnold, and Bertha Franz. He is survived by his son Paul, grandchildren Dana, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Natalie, siblings Victor and Sylvia (Adams), daughters-in-law Charlene (James) and Rochana (Paul), and his very special friend, Ruth Wylie.

Al was a quiet man, wise, humble and kind. He had a keen intellect, enjoyed crosswords, bridge, reading, classical music, proper manners and grammar, decorum and always good food and friends. On the farm in Othello he was an avid gardener, harvesting fruits and vegetables. He and Jane enjoyed the local dance club, golf and Grange. He was a member of the Kennewick Kiwanis, a supporter of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Palm Springs. As an undergraduate he was inducted into Zeta Mu Tau, mathematics honor society at the UW. He had a great wit until the end! He set a wonderful example for his grandchildren on how to live a life of purpose, loyalty and grace-such a gentleman. He will be missed by all his family, friends, and extended family.

A service will be held at the Menno cemetery near Schrag on April 6 at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of the Northwest, 819 S 13th St., Mt Vernon WA 98274 or the Menno Mennonite Church, 1378 North Damon Road, Ritzville, WA 99169.

Please share your thoughts of Al and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.