Michael J. Franz

Michael J. Franz, age 76, a long-time active resident of Pickerington, Ohio and Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 at HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida.  Born November 11, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Robert and Florence Franz, Mike was a 1966 graduate of South High School in Columbus.  He proudly served in the US Army from 1968 -1969 in Vietnam.  Mike was one of the founding members of the American Legion Post 283 in Pickerington, Ohio and served on the Honor Guard.  After 30 plus years working at Kreber Graphics, Mike retired.  He enjoyed his days volunteering at the VA hospital, participating with the American Legion in Pickerington and the VFW post 10097 in Fort Myers.  Mike will be remembered as a loving and kind husband, father and grandfather.  He was a true friend to all who knew him and a man who could fix anything. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 32 years, Patti (Budd) Franz in 2006, brothers Robert Franz in 2010 and Ronald Franz in 2019, and grandson Braden Bright in 2005. 

Survived by children, Amie (Jason) Bassett, Ryan (Stephanie) Franz and Aaron (Danielle) Franz; grandchildren, Olivia Bright, Lindsay Bright, Callie Franz, Pierce Bassett, Brooklyn Newman, and Garrett Franz;  fiancee, Kay Wilson and her daughters, Tammy Bennett, Tonya Ricketts and Tara McFarland; sister-in-law, Karen Franz and Carole Franz; and nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service for close friends and family will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 1:00pm at Glen Rest Cemetery, 8029 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH. 

A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held following the graveside service at the American Legion Post 283, 7725 Refugee Rd. Pickerington, OH from 2 to 6:00pm.

Memorial donations in Mike's name may be made to: The American Legion Post 283 Honor Guard, 7725 Refugee Rd., Pickerington, OH 43147.  

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