"our deepest sympathy for your loss .Brownie was such a great and talented man. Wanted to go to the visitation so badly to see all the family again--it has been so long--but had a conflict and could not make it. still remember all the great times we had as family friends at Lake Odessa and will treasure these memories."
In loving memory of
Earl B. Frantz
April 27, 1931 - May 7, 2021
EARL FRANTZ
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Earl Brown Frantz, 90, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021, at his home.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday May 13, 2021, at St. Mathias Church. The Reverend Chris Weber will officiate Casket bearers will be grandsons: Casey and Josh Cottrell, Michael and Ethan Frantz, Cole Chaplin,and Johnny Watson. Honorary Bearers will be Robbie Rock, Andy Marker, and Dalcon DeMaranville. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Visitation is from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Ss. Mary and Mathias Church and the Muscatine Symphony. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Earl was born on April 27, 1931, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the son of Earl L. and Rose Brown Frantz. In 1951 he married Janice Murphy in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. They were members of Ss Mary & Mathias Church.
Earl worked for the HON company for many years and retired from BT Prime Mover as purchasing manager. He had a passion for playing the violin and was a longtime member of the Muscatine Symphony. During this time he also was a member of the Gem Trio along with very special friends Maggie Tiecke and Gail Pusateri. The Gem Trio shared their beautiful music at many weddings and other events around Muscatine. Later in life he became a master craftsman making 7 violins, one for each of his children.
A special thank you to our sister, Roxanne, who opened her home to dad and allowed our family to make more memories, reminisce, laugh, and share the love. We were blessed with three additional months of time with our father we never dreamed possible. Our very own family nurses Laurie and Heather were a rock of strength and peace not only for dad but for all of us.
A big thank you to Hospice Compassus and caregiver team; Bea, Ashley, Rosa, Veronica, Joan and Debbie. Their help in a difficult time warmed all of our hearts with their gentle care.
Those left to honor his memory include his children, Kathy Cottrell (Jim), Roxanne Musser, Patricia Beals (Mike) of Tomahawk, WI, Michael Frantz (Diane), Roberta Chaplin (Mike), Mark Frantz (Laurie), and Michelle Watson (Billy Wall), of Allentown, PA, 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and brother James Frantz of Shreveport, LA and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
Tributes
"So sorry to hear about Brownie. I met him at Prime Mover when I was hired to "do" his job while he was on vacation. We did joke about it. He was a great guy and violinist. It was an honor to know him."
"I am very sad to hear about the passing of Brownie. I remember spending time and going on picnics, he and Janice, Marion and I. He was one heck of a great guy and one helluva violinist. He will truly be missed. Jack Plogh"
"So sorry to hear of Brownie's passing. Treasure the memories."
"Sorry to hear of our loss of Brownie. So many great memories of him and the family and times down at the lake. He was a very talented, thoughtful and caring man whom I always looked up to. His greatest joy and legacy is the wonderful family that he leaves behind. My thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you all at this difficult time -Dougie Beals"
"I was sorry to hear of the passing of Brownie. I admired his skill and wisdom. I enjoyed the times our families were able to spend together. Paul Murphy"
"I played violin in the Muscatine Community Orchestra while in junior high and high school (I graduated 1979 with Mark) and remember your dad?s talent and leadership. He loved his music. Prayers for the family. Linda (Mittman) Demmon "
"Brownie was a gentle man that always made a person feel special. With showing interest in what was going on in life?s of others. He was so easy to sit and talk with about many things. God has a new violinist playing in his heavenly orchestra. Play on Maestro!"
"Mark,shelly,mike,and family my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time."
"Kathy, so sorry to hear of your dad?s passing. He will be missed!"