August Franz

August Franz was born on December 1, 1925 on a farm southeast of Henderson. His parents were Isaac and Sarah (Epp) Franz. August went to meet His Savior on March 12, 2005 at the age of 79 years after a lingering, painful bout with cancer. He attended District #31 country school through the eighth grade. His means of traveling the 2 1/2 miles to school was usually by horseback. After graduating from country school, he attended Bible School in Henderson for two years. Rev. A.W. Friesen baptized August on June 13, 1943 and was received as a member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church where he remained a faithful member. August married Blanche Dick on September 7, 1948. The Lord blessed them with 56 years of marriage. Two sons and two daughters were born to this union. August and Blanche lived on his home farm southeast of Henderson until they retired and built a home on 18th St. in Henderson in 1995. Throughout his life, August served on numerous committees; Bethesda Mennonite Church Board of Business Administration, Board of Deacons, Men's Choir and MCC Committee. Serving on the Nebraska Mennonite Disaster Service Committee gave August opportunity to live out his faith by serving people in need. August enjoyed all the times the Strings of Life practiced their music and performed in Nursing Homes, churches and at the MCC Sale. Being a dedicated farmer was so important to August. He enjoyed farming, fishing with Blanche and his family, woodworking, pitching horseshoes and playing croquet with friends.

Those left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Blanche; children and their spouses, Shari Peters, Mel and Becky Franz, Carolyn and Burdon Peters, Randy and Ruth Ann Franz; 14 grandchildren, Tammi and Scott DeMers, Luke and Chasie Peters, Angie and Jose Friesen, Jill Friesen, Tessa and Rick Glinsman and Doug Franz, Jeff and Tami Peters, Greg and Lance Peters, Hadley and Julie Franz, Caleb, Audra, Emmett and Olivia Franz. Nine great-grandchildren, Jared, Payton, Andrew and Caleb DeMers, Dominic and Jack Friesen, Tobin Glinsman, Bailey and Trev Peters. One brother, Albert Franz, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Raymond and Mable Siebert and Kenneth and Wilma Dick. Also many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson, Nebraska. Burial will be in the Bethesda Cemetery. Memorials are: Mennonite Disaster Service or Savior Sent Music Ministry. Visitation begins after 5 p.m. Monday at Metz Morturary in Henderson. Metz Mortuary of Henderson is handling arrangements and condolences may be emailed to the family at metz@metzmortuary.com