Arnold Franz was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to his parents, Rudolf Franz and Rosanna Dubey on April 28, 1929. Throughout his successful life, he finished his school with a Master's degree. Arnold enjoyed his work. He was a Program Manager for the industry in Aerospace for over 55 years. After Retirement, he resided with his wife Dottie Franz, in Fontana California.
Arnold Franz is survived by his wife Dottie Franz, his daughters, Linda Browning, Laurie Rouse, Stacey Coccia, his sons, Steven Franz and Kenny Franz.
A granddaughter's perspective.
I’ve spent the week getting to know a man I thought I already knew, my grandfather, Arnie. He was a husband, father to his children, brother, uncle, and grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His passing will create a sizable hole in our family but his influence will, undoubtedly, have a lasting effect. He was a highly intelligent man with a penchant for using grandiloquent {lofty} words in conversations. Apparently it’s a family trait I’ve inherited. No doubt he picked up these grandiose words along his many travels.
After his birth in Milwaukee he spent his school age years at Ebenezer Academy. At the ripe old age of 17 he joined the Air Force where he spent time in Japan until returning to California. Soon after returning he met, fell in love with and married my grandmother, Dottie.
Over the next 10+ years they brought five children into the world, Linda, Laurie, Steve, Ken, and Stacey. A midst the responsibilities of family life he somehow managed to earn a Bachelor’s Degree, with honors, and a Master of Arts in Business Administration, also with honors.
During this time he also devoted numerous hours to service. He taught dance through a YMCA program where he taught my (preteen) mom and many other youngsters to cha cha, waltz, and swing dance. He also loved polka music, no doubt due to his German decent. I will always remember his gentle urges to get his grand kids on the dance floor. However, no one could replace my grandmother. When they took to the dance floor it always brought a crowd.
I also found an article from the Sun Telegram expressing his uncanny ability to bring relief when he stepped onto the ball field during Pony League, a baseball program he coached for over 15 years.
His selfless years of service are an inspiration to me as well as his work in the aerospace industry. He prided himself on his work ethic and I’ve found numerous letters commending his work from coworkers and managers. I’ve enjoyed reading about this side of him and discovering that he had aspirations of earning his doctorate. He was two semesters away when he was sent to Saudi Arabia for several months through his job with Lockheed.
I can recall stories he told me and, no doubt, all his grandchildren about his trips, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Europe. He prided himself in his ability to speak with the locals in whatever country he visited. He inspired me to want to travel, explore, and step outside my comfort zone, something I will be forever grateful for.
As if his world travels weren’t enough, his real claim to fame was working on the Titan 34D SRB Nozzle-Down Static Test Program AKA an American Rocket used to launch numerous satellites into space. He not only worked on it but he was the Program Manager which, I’ve learned, is a pretty big deal.
I believe during this time, or slightly before, he was also a professor at Chaffey College sharing his knowledge with the future generation. Through the years he continued to work in the aerospace industry and traveled extensively with my grandmother. He then retired and devoted his time to his family and friends.
Whether he was collaborating with colleagues, teaching and mentoring young people, or caring for his family he always gave his all. He was a man of many words down to his final day but rather than say I love you he preferred je t’aime. So je t’aime Papa, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Friend. Your memory will live on in our hearts.
His Memorial Service will be at Green Acres Memorial Chapel 11715 Cedar Avenue, Bloomington, California 92316 at 2:00 p.m Friday, September 27, 2013.
After the service, the family invites everyone to a reception at Linda Browning's Household, 418 Arrowview Drive, Redlands, California 92373.
Donations to be given to SUSAN G. KOMEN FOUNDATION
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