Forest "Frank" Franze

Auburn – Forest “Frank” Franze, 91, of Auburn died Thursday January 9, 2020 at Auburn Village in Auburn. He was born August 28, 1928 in Kendallville to William G and Edith A. (Diamond) Franze. Frank was an Ashley High School Graduate and earned his Bachler’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Tri State University. He worked for three years for the Indiana State Highway Department as a Civil Engineer and was President and CEO of CH Kraus working there for over 40 years before retiring in 1998. He was a member of Auburn first United Methodist Church and held an affiliated membership at Englewood United Methodist Church in Englewood, Florida. He loved to play golf and played it all his life. He was a former member of Greenhurst Country Club. He was also a member of the Fort Wayne Elks Lodge, serving as Past Exalted Ruler and District Deputy. Frank is survived by his wife Donna D (Musser) Franze. They were married May 19, 1979 in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, NV. Also surviving is a son Gary (Linda) Franze of Fort Wayne, daughter, Barbara O’Neill of Indianapolis, step children, Janis (Mark) Sponhower of Fort Wayne, Randy Keys of North Carolina, Kevin Keys of New York, and a daughter in law, Jackie Franze; 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son David Franze, son in law Pat O’Neill, 5 brothers and 5 sisters. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Auburn Village and Betz Nursing Home for the care given to Frank the last two years. Services will be 11 am Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street, Auburn, IN 46706 with Rev James Farrer officiating. Burial will follow the service in Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn. Calling is Monday from 2 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Auburn First United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice. To send condolences visit www.fellerandclark.com.