1929
2013
Arnold Franz was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to his parents, Rudolf Franz and Rosanna Dubey on April 28, 1929. Throughout his successful life, he finished his school with a Master's degree. Arnold enjoyed his work. He was a Program Manager for the industry in Aerospace for over 55 years. After Retirement, he resided with his wife Dottie Franz, in Fontana California.
Arnold Franz is survived by his wife Dottie Franz, his daughters, Linda Browning, Laurie Rouse, Stacey Coccia, his sons, Steven Franz and Kenny Franz.
A granddaughter's perspective.
I've spent the week getting to know a man I thought I already knew, my grandfather, Arnie. He was a husband, father to his children, brother, uncle, and grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His passing will create a sizable hole in our family but his influence will, undoubtedly, have a lasting effect. He was a highly intelligent man with a penchant for using grandiloquent {lofty} words in conversations. Apparently it's a family trait I've inherited. No doubt he picked up these grandiose words along his many travels.
After his birth in Milwaukee he spent his school age years at Ebenezer Academy. At the ripe old age of 17 he joined the Air Force where he spent time in Japan until returning to California. Soon after returning he met, fell in love with and married my grandmother, Dottie.
Over the next 10+ years they brought five children into the world, Linda, Laurie, Steve, Ken, and Stacey. A midst the responsibilities of family life he somehow managed to earn a Bachelor's Degree, with honors, and a Master of Arts in Business Administration, also with honors.
During this time he also devoted numerous hours to service. He taught dance through a YMCA program where he taught my (preteen) mom and many other youngsters to cha cha, waltz, and swing dance. He also loved polka music, no doubt due to his German decent. I will always remember his gentle urges to get his grand kids on the dance floor. However, no one could replace my grandmother. When they took to the dance floor it always brought a crowd.
I also found an article from the Sun Telegram expressing his uncanny ability to bring relief when he stepped onto the ball field during Pony League, a baseball program he coached for over 15 years.
His selfless years of service are an inspiration to me as well as his work in the aerospace industry. He prided himself on his work ethic and I've found numerous letters commending his work from coworkers and managers. I've enjoyed reading about this side of him and discovering that he had aspirations of earning his doctorate. He was two semesters away when he was sent to Saudi Arabia for several months through his job with Lockheed.
I can recall stories he told me and, no doubt, all his grandchildren about his trips, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Europe. He prided himself in his ability to speak with the locals in whatever country he visited. He inspired me to want to travel, explore, and step outside my comfort zone, something I will be forever grateful for.
As if his world travels weren't enough, his real claim to fame was working on the Titan 34D SRB Nozzle-Down Static Test Program AKA an American Rocket used to launch numerous satellites into space. He not only worked on it but he was the Program Manager which, I've learned, is a pretty big deal.
I believe during this time, or slightly before, he was also a professor at Chaffey College sharing his knowledge with the future generation. Through the years he continued to work in the aerospace industry and traveled extensively with my grandmother. He then retired and devoted his time to his family and friends.
Whether he was collaborating with colleagues, teaching and mentoring young people, or caring for his family he always gave his all. He was a man of many words down to his final day but rather than say I love you he preferred je t'aime. So je t'aime Papa, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Friend. Your memory will live on in our hearts.
His Memorial Service will be at Green Acres Memorial Chapel 11715 Cedar Avenue, Bloomington, California 92316 at 2:00 p.m Friday, September 27, 2013.
After the service, the family invites everyone to a reception at Linda Browning's Household, 418 Arrowview Drive, Redlands, California 92373.
Donations to be given to SUSAN G. KOMEN FOUNDATION
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
September 28, 2013
Aprile Alm
To the Franz Family, I am so sorry I missed the service, I was out of town. My love is with you all. I will miss him.
September 27, 2013
Milloy Wayne
During my 20 tears working at Lockheed Propulsion I worked closely with Arnie. He was among the most ethical and most respected people with whom I worked. My schooling, like his, was spread over years. He was a major influence in encouraging me when the going got rough.
My condolences to his family.
September 26, 2013
Carrie Froehlich
To the Arnie Franz Family,
I am SO VERY SAD that I live so far away. During this very difficult time when I wish I could be with you all.
Arnie was not only a relative of mine, but he was also a very good friend. We only met once, but talked often during the years after my mom passed away... and I realized she had this wonderful cousin named Arnie.
Part of my world will be empty without the friendship that we developed over these years. I miss him so much.
My sincerest, deepest sympathy to his family who I know are impacted greatly by their loss.
Sending my love and keeping you all in my prayers.
Your cousin,
Carrie Froehlich (Dubey,Effert,Wagner)
September 26, 2013
Becky Elmore
Dear Dottie and family: we are so saddened to hear about the loss of Arnie. I have innumerable happy memories of long summer evenings as a child hanging out with our families together. And as an adult, I enjoyed good wine and company with Arnie talking about France and hearing so many interesting stories about his life. He will be very much missed by all of us.
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Green Acres Memorial Park & Mortuary11715 Cedar Ave, Bloomington, CA 92316
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