Mabel Lucille Franz

Mabel Lucille Westenfelder Franz was born on January 6th, 1934 to Anna Westenfelder and Edward Westenfelder on the family farm north of Fremont, Michigan during the Great Depression and World War II. Like most people, she learned to pitch in and help with farm work. Her favorite job was taking care of the calves.

She went to a one-room school through the 6th grade and then high school in town. She sang and learned to play the saxophone and had an exceptional voice. She went on to Albion College, majoring in teaching and music, and was invited to sing at weddings and church events because of the quality and professionalism of her voice.

She met and married Gustav Franz on September 27, 1957, while attending graduate school in Colorado and they raised three children: Sue McKenzie, Jeff Franz, and Brad Franz. She was mainly a homemaker but also worked in insurance, teaching, and golf. She loved to play bridge, watch pro sports, as well as play field hockey, softball, and she loved to ski. It was apparent that she liked and loved the people around her.