Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
Number of Children: 2
Background
Education:
graduate of Salesian High School in Detroit; attended the University of Detroit
Biographical Sketch:
He was drafted into the US Army when in college and moved to Manistee County in 1978 where he purchased Kenny's Market in Onekama (later called Franz Market). He operated the store for 30 years until it sold in 2008. In 1998, Franz, along with his partners, opened a second grocery store in Bear Lake, operated for 11 years, before selling it in 2009. Franz owned and operated a small business, Portage Lake Mini Storage, located in Onekama. Appointed to the Onekama Village Council in 1979, and then served almost 30 years, including serving as village president from 2000/06. He also served as deputy township supervisor, chaired the local tax board of review, and was a licensed sewer lagoon operator; he was on the Onekama and Bear Lake Village Fire Departments for 30 years, including 4 as chief. He was a charter member of the Medical First Responders. He continued his service on both the Onekama and Bear Lake Fire Departments and as a Medical First Responder, answering over 200 calls in 2009. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and National Rifle Association. He belonged to the Manistee County Chamber of Commerce.
Notable Facts:
Awarded the Bronze Star Award during Vietnam Conflict.