Donald W. Franz

Donald "Don" W. Franz, 74, passed away on July 31, 2023, at his home in Freeport, IL.

Don was born on September 30, 1948, in Freeport, IL, the son of Frank and Doris (Southwick) Franz. He married Victoria Griffin on September 19, 1997. Don worked as a Tool and Die Maker at Honeywell for 48 years before his retirement. He was a longtime member of St. John United Church of Christ. Don was a Civil War enthusiast. He enjoyed reading and giving presentations on the Civil War at local schools and nursing homes. Don would also play the fife for reenactments, parades, schools, and nursing homes. He was a member of Camp Fuller Fife and Drum. Don also would perform at his church with the Sounds of the Spirit Group. Don ran 13 marathons and many other races. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Don is survived by his wife of 25 years, Victoria Franz of Freeport; children; Kristen (Justin) Morson of Bull Valley, Steve (Dawn) Franz of Freeport, Christopher Folk of Freeport, and Teri Folk of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; 13 grandchildren, Daniel, Keldrin, Jade, Ashten, Adeline, Livi, Chava, Riley, Kaylee, Alycia, Carissa, Noah, and Taylor; 10 great-grandchildren, Sage, Sienna, Scout, Kevin, Lillie, Easton, Hudson, Ava, Felix, and Lorelei.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, David Franz; daughter, Stacy Franz; grandchild, Justin; and great-grandchild, Brinley.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 9:30 am until time of service 10:30 am at St. John United Church of Christ with Reverend Hank Fairman, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum in Freeport, IL.

Pallbearers are Justin Morson, Ashten Morson, Keldrin Franz, Steve Franz, Alex Ghinazzi and Colin Olsen.

A memorial has been established.

Online condolences can be made at www.burketubbs.com.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Burke Tubbs Funeral Home - Freeport, 504 N. Walnut St. Freeport, IL 61032, (815) 233-0613