AWRF Past President Bill Franz Passes Away

August 22, 2019 - The AWRF office has reported that AWRF Past President Wilhelm Hans “Bill” Franz lost his courageous battle with cancer on Aug. 16.

Franz, 61, of Medina, Ohio, was born on August 12, 1958 in Cleveland. He retired as a vice president of marketing from Mazzella Companies, but will be remembered by his family for his love of traveling, music, sports, and enjoying the company of his loved ones. One of his greatest joys was playing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

He was the beloved husband of Lynn (nee Maas) Franz for 38 years; loving father of Ashley (Mark) Smidt, Adam (Katilin) Franz, and Amanda (Jason) Lewis; and cherished grandfather of Braydon, Wilhelm, Cora, Maximus, and Colton.

The memorial visitation will be on Sunday, Sep. 1, from 1 to 4 PM at Waite and Son Funeral Home in Brunswick, Ohio with a memorial service immediately following. Contributions may be made in Franz’ memory to Salvation Army at https://give.salvationarmyusa.org; The Cleveland Browns Foundation at www.mightycause.com/donate/Cleveland-Browns-Foundation; or the Hospice of Western Reserve, 5075 Windfall Road, Medina, OH 44256.

For more information, visit www.waitefuneralhome.com.