William Franz Jr.
William August “Shorty” Franz, Jr., age 76, of Colby, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the Colonial Health and Rehabilitation of Colby under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice.
A memorial gathering will be held from 2 until 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. There will be a Time of Remembrance starting at 3 p.m. followed by military honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.
Shorty was born September 4,1948, the son of William and Dorothy (Markey) Franz Sr. in Owen. He attended Owen-Withee High School. Shorty enlisted in the US Army on January 13, 1969, and served at Ft. Campbell in Kentucky, Ft. Stewart in Georgia and Ft. Lewis in Washington, before being deployed to Vietnam on January 27, 1970. He was honorably discharged on December 2, 1970. Shorty was united in marriage to Carol McFarland on March 29, 1969, at the Owen Alliance Church. He worked for Kadolph Construction and drove for the Amish and Clark County.
Shorty liked to fish, enjoyed collecting model trains, quilting, campfires, driving and helping others. He especially loved and cherished his family.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol; five children: William A. Franz III, Donald (Lolita) Franz, Donna (Dan) Post, Clarence Franz and Crystal Franz; six grandchildren: Seasha (Jason) Franz, Kyler Post, Alexis Post, Stacy Franz, Angel Weber and Michael Ethridge-Franz; four great-grandchildren: Nathaniel Riihinen, Ellimere Riihinen, Lylliane Benzschawel and Vivianne Benzschawel. He is further survived by a sister, Annette Franz; a sister-in-law, Jackie Franz; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kristy Franz; a grandson, Isaac Franz; three sisters: Carol Robertson, Geniveve Arndt and Beatrice Rue and a brother, Charles Franz.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
http://www.maurinaschilling.com
Paid obituary 164070
