BANGOR – Robert K. Franz, 80, passed away peacefully July 12, 2004, with family members pre-sent, at the Maine Veterans Home. He was born Feb. 29, 1924, in Boston, Mass., son of the late Richard J. and Hazel (Smith) Franz. Bob attended schools in Melrose, Mass., and was a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, Class of 1949. Bob served in the Army from 1942 to 1946, primarily in the European Theater. He was wounded in combat during the Ardennes Campaign for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. Bob worked as a fisheries research biologist and recreational planner for the Department of the Interior for 30 years before retiring in 1979 and returning to Maine where he lived the remainder of his life. Bob was an active member of Bangor Chapter 1865, Military Order of The Purple Heart, avid outdoorsman, novice farmer, loving husband, father, and grandfather. Bob is survived by his wife, Joan E. Franz (Greenwood) of Newburgh; five children, Davee of Lansing, Mich., Ken of Bangor, Dana of Las Vegas, Nev., Robin of Daytona Beach, Fla., and Gregg, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; a brother, Dick of Pensacola, Fla.; a sister, Laura of Waylan, Mass.; six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A private family graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2004 at the New Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. Memorial donations may be made to the Maine Veterans Home, Unit B 44 Hogan, Road, Bangor, ME 04401. <
ROBERT K. FRANZ
