George Franz

George F. Franz, age 83 of Henderson, died Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Aurora. He was born May 26, 1925 in rural York County to Gerherd G. and Mary (Epp) Franz. George was an Army veteran of WWII and was married to Donna E. Janzen on December 14, 1947 at Henderson and she preceded him in death in 1993. George was a 30 year Henderson Volunteer firefighter, serving 19 years as Fire Chief, and was a member of the American Legion. He also worked as a mechanic and owned Georges Standard and Henderson Motors. Following his retirement, he mowed for the City Parks and worked at the clubhouse at the Henderson golf course. He was married to Cleola (Pankratz) Epp in Henderson on November 14, 1998. George was a member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church.

He is survived by his wife Cleola of Henderson; son, Gregory (Janet) Franz of Wenatchee, WA; daughter, Kathy (Roger) Ripley of Lincoln; step-daughter, Verlene (Ron) Garber of Hesston, KS; step-sons, LaVerne (Marilyn) Epp of Lawrence, KS and Dr Galen (Cindy) Epp of Spring Hill, KS; grandchildren, Lars (Jennifer) Hakensen of Wenatchee, WA, Christa Franz of Wenatchee, Andy Ripley of Lincoln and Dan (Andria) Ripley also of Lincoln; great-grandchildren: Lucas and Logan Hakensen of Wenatchee, WA and Seth and April Ripley of Lincoln. Also surviving are 8 step grandchildren and 5 step great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna, 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bethesda Mennonite Cemetery followed by Memorial services at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethesda Church with the Revs. Weldon Martens and Jim Voth. Memorials may be directed to the Bethesda Radio Fund or Henderson Health Care Services.