Joe M. Frantz, 74, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home on Thursday, October 30, 2014 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Newcomerstown, on July 16, 1940, he grew up and lived most of his life in New Philadelphia. He was the third son born to the late Delbert W. and Ruth E. (Cookson) Frantz.
Joe graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1958 and from Indiana Technical College in 1960. Joe was a talented machinist that could make or repair almost anything made of steel. He was a well-respected, successful, hard-working and admired businessman in the community. He was proud to have served on the original advisory board that was instrumental in getting the Buckeye Joint Vocational school to our area. He was employed by Frantz Grinding Company in New Philadelphia for over 55 years and was the Owner and President until his death.
First and foremost in Joe’s life was his family. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends, vacationing in the south, golfing, sports, and until recent years, attending many of his grandchildren’s sporting activities and events. He was an active, life-long member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Philadelphia.
Joe is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 52 years, Sandra “Kay” (Leggett) Frantz, whom he married on Feb. 11, 1962. Joe was a quiet, kind and loving father to his surviving children; Janet, husband Scott Pipes, David, wife Christa Frantz all of New Philadelphia, and Stephen, wife Bridget Frantz of Wooster.
He never complained and courageously endured the complications and limitations of Parkinson’s. Kay was the primary caregiver for Joe, and together with the help of others, they fought the disease for many years.
In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by seven wonderful grandchildren whom he loved dearly; Brittany Pipes Minard, husband Ben Minard, Christopher Pipes, fiancé Jessica Passen, Meghan Frantz and Logan Pipes all of New Philadelphia; and Luke, Olivia and Colleen Frantz of Wooster; two brothers, Jerry (Nancy) Frantz of New Philadelphia and Gene (Joyce) Frantz of Dover; and special in-laws, Cheryl (Rich) Morgan-Marcaletti and Eugene (Ruth Joyce) Zimmerly all of New Philadelphia. Joe also has many special nieces, nephews, friends and their families who will miss him and his forever sweet smile.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a grandson, Zachary Frantz; his in-laws, Ray and Grace Leggett; a sister-in-law, Joanne Zimmerly; a brother-in-law, John Morgan; a brother, James L. Frantz; a niece, Gale Stephens; and a special aunt, Lucy Rosenberry.
The family will greet guests on Sunday, November 2, 2014, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Philadelphia where Rev. Lee Eilert will lead a service celebrating Joe’s life on Sunday at 5 PM. Immediately following the service all are invited to share in a time of food and fellowship in the church’s social hall. Burial will be held in the Evergreen Burial Park on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 10:30 AM. A formal procession to the cemetery will begin at 10:00 AM in the parking lot of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia and will depart for the cemetery at 10:20 AM.
Memorial contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to the New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation (Zachary Frantz Memorial Scholarship Fund), P.O. Box 627, New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663; Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Ave, New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663; and Crossroads Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr, Suite E, Green, Ohio, 44685.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Starts at 5:00 pm (Eastern time)
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
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