Kenneth Walter Franz, 84, of Newton, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, at Paramount Community Living and Rehab.
He was born on April 16, 1940, in Newton, Kansas, to Walter and Olga Franz. On June 4, 1961, he married Loretta Sue Eck at First Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas.
Kenneth graduated from Newton High School in 1958, and Bethel College in North Newton, in 1963. He played basketball and track at both Newton High and Bethel College. He continued his education obtaining his Master’s Degree from Emporia State University in 1973. His first teaching job was at Belle Plaine High School where he taught Industrial Arts and coached basketball for three years. He then returned to Newton High to teach Industrial Arts for 28 years. He was the assistant basketball coach at Newton for six years before being named the head basketball coach for three years. He was also the assistant athletic director for 12 years.
Upon retiring from teaching, Ken worked 11 years at B&B Lumber as well as Graber Ace Hardware for two years. He was the energy manager with USD 373 for three years and a Marshal at Sand Creek Station golf course since it opened in 2006. Whether serving on the NHS Athletic Hall of Fame committee and building the trophy case, volunteering at the hospital, witching wells, or just being of service to his neighbors and the community, his eagerness to serve others was evident. Ken was an avid woodworker and his creations were enjoyed by many, especially the 43 bluebird houses on Sand Creek Station Golf Course, baby cradles that he built for his grandchildren and much more. One of his many enjoyments was playing golf with his sons, grandkids and friends, as well as fishing. Family was very important to Ken and whenever possible he attended the many events of his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by: son Kent of Chandler, Oklahoma; granddaughter Shelbey and husband Bart Estes of Yukon, Oklahoma, and great granddaughter, Ryan; granddaughter Blakeley and husband Randon Gregory of Ada, Oklahoma, great granddaughter Sila; son Jay and wife Monica of Wichita, Kansas, granddaughter Cecilia and husband, Jordan Friedel of Wichita, Kansas, great grandsons Grayson, Danny, and Brooks; granddaughter Olivia and husband, Carlos Burbach of Wichita, Kansas, great grandsons Beckham, Santiago and Fredrick; grandson Keelan and wife Megan of Wichita, Kansas.
Preceding him in death is his wife Loretta, mother and father Walter and Olga Franz, and sister Bette Rhine.
A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. July 6, 2024 at Petersen Family Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery immediately following the memorial service.
Memorial contributions are appreciated in lieu of flowers and may be made to the Newton High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Grace Community Church Mission Fund, Paramount Community Living and Rehab, and Good Shepherd Hospice.