1928-2024
Albert Jake Franz, 96, of Inman, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Pleasant View Home in Inman. He was born October 16, 1928 in rural Harvey County, Kansas, the son of Jacob P. and Anna L. (Regier) Franz.
He attended Willis School in Harvey County and attended Buhler High School.
Albert was united in marriage to Lovella Fern Franz on October 23, 1949, sharing nearly 74 years of marriage together.
Albert had a passion for serving his church and was a member of the Buhler Mennonite Church. He was a former trustee and deacon at Hebron Mennonite Church, where he previously attended.
He was a life-long farmer and did custom harvesting for 42 years. He considered a majority of his customers family. Albert could build almost anything out of wood or steel. In his last years he could spend hours on his John Deere riding mower, mowing practically anything that needed trimmed up. He really loved the outdoors. He enjoyed driving into Hutchinson most evenings, going to eat at Village Inn and his trip to Walmart to hop on cart #5. (he claimed that was the fastest one). Usually after visiting him and we were ready to leave, he would tell us with a smile, always keep the wheels on the ground. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Albert is survived by two sons, Brad (Teresa) Franz of Inman, and Doug (Bonnie) Franz of Buhler; grandchildren Michelle (Steven) Lillard of Olathe, Jenny Franz of Overland Park, Julie (Tim) Mathias of Hutchinson, Stephanie (Brendan) Isaacson of Buhler, and Brian Franz of Buhler; great-grandchildren, Chase Franz-Miller, Jake and Jensen Mathias, and Ellie and Emmie Isaacson; sister-in-law, Carol Franz of Atglen, PA; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lovella; brothers and sisters-in-law, Delbert (Esther) Franz, Norman Franz and Milburn (Valeta) Franz; nephew, Merle Franz and infant nephew, Byron Franz.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2025 at Buhler Mennonite Church. Private burial will take place at Little River Township Cemetery, rural Buhler. The service will be livestreamed on the Buhler Mennonite Church You Tube Channel. Memorial contributions may be made to Buhler Mennonite Church in care of Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522.
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