Our incredible dad, Richard Walter Franz, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, at the age of 88.

He was born on April 24, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, the second of thirteen children born to Gertrude and Walter Franz. He often shared fond memories of growing up in Southern California—tagging along with the older boys when his dad served as a scout leader and spending long days playing with his brothers and sisters in the fields and farms near their home.

As a young boy, his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to be closer to relatives. Early on, he learned the value of hard work, delivering newspapers and helping his dad as a carpenter’s assistant. He later worked at Jacobson’s Phillips 66 station in Sugarhouse, where the owner, Jake—known to us as “Uncle Jake”—became a lifelong mentor and friend.

In 1955, he graduated from East High School and met and married Janice Deal, the love of his life. Together they had three children: David, Jenny, and Darren. Though their marriage later ended, their friendship remained strong until her passing in 1979.

Dad worked hard throughout his life, including time as a tile setter apprentice and at the Salt Lake Flour Mill, a job he remembered with pride. He later became a Letter Carrier and retired as a Special Delivery Messenger with the U.S. Postal Service.

He found great joy at the family cabin at Bear Lake, which he built with love alongside his father, his children and grandchildren. Many cherished memories were made there. He also loved beekeeping, sailing, hunting, fishing, camping, and backpacking.

Family meant everything to Dad. He formed special, personal bonds with each of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, who all loved spending time with him. He will be remembered for his playful spirit and his ever-present “Dad jokes.”

He was a kind and loving man who led by example and always did what was right. We love him deeply and will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Dolores, John, Jim, Larry, and Don.

He is survived by his children, David Franz; Jenny (Jerry) Paetsch; and Darren (Karen) Franz; as well as 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Nancy, Steve, JoAnn, Mike, Bob, Judy, and Margie, and many dear friends, especially his lifelong friend Brent.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 3401 Highland Drive in Millcreek, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 12:00 p.m.