Robert Franz

Robert Marvin Franz, 76, of Duluth, died on Wednesday July 20, 2016 in Ecumen Lakeshore.  Thankful to be “grafted in” to the root of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by the blood of the “Passover Lamb”, Yeshua HaMeshiak and dwelling in the mansion prepared for him by his Savior.  He lived with diabetes for 36 years and greatly looks forward to his “new” body.

Robert was born on September 24, 1938 in Sioux Falls, SD to Marvin and Etta (Schweisow) Franz.  He graduated from Schaller, IA High School; Buena Vista College, Storm Lake, IA and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a Master’s Degree in Social Work.  Robert served in the USAF when drafted in 1961.  He married his college sweetheart, Maureen Ross on March 23, 1963.  He served as a weapons controller and in the Minute Man Missile program as a launch officer.  After his time in the service, he became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working at the Brookings, SD Mental Health Clinic and then at the Faribault, MN Regional Treatment Center as a Unit Director until his retirement in 2000.  During his early retirement he served as a missionary in the Czech Republic for 3 years and was active in teaching the Jewish Roots of Christianity.  He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran in Faribault, MN; Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Lakeville, MN, and when he moved to Duluth in 2007 he became a member of Lakeview Covenant Church.

Robert had a special gift for teaching and he loved to travel.  He visited all the states, but Hawaii and had 5 trips to Israel (4 accompanied by his wife) after which he also toured Europe.  His last big trip was to Central Europe accompanied by his wife, daughter, son and their spouse.  He loved to drive cars and motorcycles.  He had a “wild” sense of humor and truly made life “an adventure”.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws Roy and Ethel Ross.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 52 years Maureen, daughter Nacelle (Joseph) Winrich of Townshend, VT, son Daniel (Heather) of Duluth, grandchildren Abigail and Benton Winrich of Townshend, VT, step-granddaughters Angel and Lilly Hathaway of Duluth, brother Raymond (Jacque) Franz of Schaller, IA and sister Pamela Franz of Harrisburg, SD.

A celebrations of Robb’s life will be at Lakeview Covenant Church, 1001 Jean Duluth Road, Duluth on Monday July 25, 2016 at 11AM with a buffet following in the church lower level.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Lakeview Covenant Church or Good News for Israel.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  600 E. 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805.  218-727-3555.