- Norbert Henry Franz, age 93, of Chilton, formerly of Berlin, died peacefully on Thursday, March 29, 2007, at Calumet County Homestead in New Holstein. Norb was born April 17, 1913, in Norfolk, Nebraska, the son of the Rev. Emil and Elizabeth Furman Franz. He attended grade school at Melbourne, IA, and was a graduate of Appleton High School. He graduated from Lawrence University Conservatory in Appleton, with a degree in Music Education. On November 29, 1935, he was united in marriage to Ethel Helgeson. They were blessed with three children. Ethel preceded him in death on July 28, 1964. On November 1, 1967, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Coulson Russell in Greenbush, WI. Norb taught instrumental music in Rock Valley, IA; Granville, IL; Berlin, WI, and Stockbridge, WI. Norb enjoyed his young band students and watched them progress through their school years. He believed everyone could participate and enjoy music. Several of his students have made music their careers or favorite pastimes. He retired in 1976. Norb and Phyllis lived on the shore of Lake Winnebago where Norb was a great fisherman. Norb had a specially equipped ice fishing car-complete with two holes in it. His favorite time was spent at Hickory Hills Golf Course with his buddies, especially Dave Sugden. He golfed 5 days a week until after his 90th birthday. Norb was happy spending time with his family watching the sunset from his home on the lake, watching the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and other sports on TV. Norb enjoyed people and always kept a smile on his face, even while battling the disabilities of Parkinson's Disease.
Norb was a member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Chilton, and was a past council president, National Education Association, Wisconsin Bandmasters, Mascoutin Country Club, the "Hole in one Club," Stockbridge Fishing Club, served on the New Hope Board for many years. Norb was a self-taught carpenter and wood worker. He made many pieces of furniture for his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; a son, Clark (Linda) Franz, Mormon Lake, AZ; a daughter, Sharon (Richard "Dick") Fortnum, Berlin; a stepson, Dennis Russell, Hamburg, Germany; son-in-law, Curtis (Heidi) Buchholtz, Estes Park, CO; grandchildren: Jesse Buchholtz, Longmont, CO; Austin Buchholtz, Portland, OR; Brett (Stephanie) Buchholtz, Windsor, CO; Chris (Robin) Franz, Gilbert, AZ; Jon Franz, Chicago, IL; Richard (Kelly) Fortnum, Bakersfield, CA; Scott Fortnum, Lake in the Hills, IL; great-grandchildren: Gunner and Warner Franz, Jake and Max Fortnum, and Hunter Fortnum; stepgrandchildren: Timothy (Carol) Russell, Clintonville; Joe (Dianne) Russell, Tigerton; Brian Russell, Colorado Springs, CO; step-great-grandchildren: Tony Dalicia, Egg Harbor, WI; Alan James Russell, Clintonville; Cole and Nicole Russell, Colorado Springs, CO; Emily and Cassie Russell; a sister-in-law, Carol (Tony) Kryzaniak, Rockford, IL; brothers-in-law: Randall Coulson, Orlando, FL; Erwin (Jean) Coulson, Berlin; many close nieces and nephews, special friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ethel; a daughter, Marcy Buchholtz, his brother, Gerald; sister, Lorene Brink-meier; grandson, Timmy Franz; stepgrandson, Cory Russell; a stepson, Alan Russell.
A celebration of Norb's life will be held Saturday, June 2, 2007, at 11 a.m., at Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin, with Rev. JoAnn Schoblaski officiating. Inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Berlin. The family will receive friends and relatives from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.
BARBOLA FUNERAL CHAPEL
282 E. Marquette St. Berlin
920-361-2755
www.barbolafuneralchapel.com
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1913 - 2007 (93 years)
Education - High School
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