Dennis Gene "Denny" Franz, 77, died Friday, March 4, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Wichita.
He was born Sept. 11, 1944, in Newton to Marvin and Frieda (Schroeder) Franz. On Nov. 16, 1963, he married Rita Ann Schrag of Halstead. Denny and Rita owned and operated Denny's Heating & Cooling for 27 years until they sold and retired from the business. Denny is known for having a genius mind and creating many one-of-a-kind works of art.
He is survived by his wife Rita of the home; daughters Shellie (Brad) Stephens, Robin (Chad) Gay and Shannon (John) Kingsley; grandchildren Danny (Erin) Stephens, Sandi Stephens, Morgan (Austin) Gronau, Steven Gay, Reagan Gay, Coleman (Lauren) Kingsley, Jack Kingsley and Kit Kingsley; great-grandchildren Zane, Kalan, Sawyer, Linden, Hunter, Avalia, Allison, Clara and Denny Jean; mother-in-law Waneta Showalter; brother Dalice (Deanna) Franz; and sister-in-law Joyce Schnabel. Denny was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sharon Bender.
Memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, March 11, at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton with the Rev. Donna Voteau presiding. A private family inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Memorials in Denny's name may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society or Newton High School Robotics and left with Petersen Funeral Home.
