Russell Frantz Jr., 93, Winona Lake, formerly of Sidney, Indiana, met his wife at the Gates of Heaven on March 5, 2023. The son of Russell and Mabel Pauline (Glaze) Frantz Sr., Russell was born on September 5, 1929, in Wanatah, Indiana.
A year after graduating from Sidney High School in 1947, Russell married the love of his life, Doris M. Hill, on July 3, 1948. For seventy-four years the two showed their children what a strong Christian shouldbe. During their time together, Russell provided for his family by working construction for many years. He later went to work forRedman Plumbing and Heating in Columbia City, Indiana, for twenty-five years before retiring in 2004. Russell was a loving man of God on whom others could rely. His faith and love for the Lord was ever constant. He and his wife were members of Packerton United Methodist Church in Packerton, Indiana, for over seventy-five years.
During his time at Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake, Russell was active in art club and bible study while remaininginvolved in his church. He delighted in supporting his grandchildren in all of the activities they enjoyed and often said that every grandchild was his favorite one. When Russell found free time, he liked to cheer on Indiana University athletics and watch other sports.
The precious memory of Russell Frantz Jr. will be forever cherished by his sons, Stan (Lynn) Frantz, South Whitley and Neal (Connie) Frantz, Fremont; daughters, Robin (Todd) Hughes, Pierceton and Kelly (Mark) Lybarger, Warsaw; sisters, Sandra (Marvin) Metzger, North Manchester and Patsy (Elmer) Matthews, Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Adam John Frantz, Alex (Jena) Frantz, Alyson Frantz, Travis (Chelsea) Frantz, Renee (Shawn) Cherian; Tanner (Montgomery) Hughes, Emily Hughes, Lance (Alison) Lybarger, and Lindsay Lybarger; and great-grandchild, Judah Cherian. Russell was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris Frantz; son, Brian Kim Frantz; brothers, Darrel Max Frantz and Lloyd Lewis Frantz; and sister, Madeline Mowan.
Family and friends may call Friday, March 10, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Packerton United Methodist Church, 7976 Packerton Road, Claypool, with Pastor Steve Newkirk officiating. Burial will be at Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, 2507 State Road 14, Silver Lake.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Russell Frantz Jr., memorial contributions may be made to Packerton United Methodist Church, C/O Wayne Landis, P.O. Box 283, Mentone, Indiana 46539.
The family of Russell Frantz Jr. has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com