Donald N. Franz
September 23, 1932 - July 3, 2014
Donald Norbert Franz, PhD, our father, grandfather, brother, and extraordinary man, passed away suddenly at his home on July 3, 2014. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Henrietta and Norbert Franz on September 23, 1932. He was a high school and college track star, specializing in hurdles and pole vault. Dad was also an excellent and avid skier, and emulated his skiing idol, Stein Eriksen, in his skiing style. Skiing was his passion, and he skied all over the world in North America, Europe, and Down Under. He continued skiing until age 78. He graduated from Butler University, served two years in the United States Army in Colorado Springs, CO, subsequently earned his PhD in neuropharmacology from the University of Utah, and completed a 2-year fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland. After completing his PhD fellowship, the Franz family returned to Utah where he began his career. Dad was a professor of neuropharmacology at the University of Utah Medical School for over 35 years, until his full retirement in 2003. He mentored graduate students and conducted valuable research projects on the effects of drugs on the nervous system, including Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. He was published in numerous scientific journals and contributed chapters to the Goodman and Gilman pharmacology textbook, the "bible" of pharmacology. Dad never missed attending the Winter Conference on Brain Research at venues around the world. He had an adventurous and curious spirit and traveled all over the world for pleasure as well as professional endeavors. Dad was always quick to laugh, loved to socialize, tell stories, and engage in stimulating conversation.
Dad married Barbara Stiver, with whom he had two beautiful daughters. He was a great father and was intensely involved with raising his girls, stressing the importance of love, kindness, and education. He and Barbara later divorced, but they remained caring and loving friends.
Dad is survived by his former wife Barbara (Don Schoenbeck); daughters Diane Naylor (John Kirby) and Beth Colosimo (Galey Colosimo); 4 wonderful and cherished grandchildren, Lorraine and Elizabeth Naylor, and Dominic and Madeline Colosimo; his loving companion of the past 16 years Inkeri Liisa Baren; his sister Marilyn Benefiel (Dale); his three nephews Dick, Greg, and Jeff Benefiel and their families; and many cousins and friends. Dad loved life and was not ready to say goodbye. His passing will leave a large hole in our family and we are blessed to have shared our lives with him and forever grateful for the many life lessons he taught us.
Because Dad loved a good party, a celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, July 13th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Student Program Fund, University of Utah School of Medicine.
In Loving Memory
It is indeed with great sadness that we loose a good friend in Don Franz. He was such a kind and loving person, always with a helping hand and good advise. We were very fortunate to have been part of his and his families lives. We will all miss his presence.
Lasse & Genean Bang
Farmington, Ut
Don was a tremendous man. So full of life. What I will remember most is his true generosity and commitment to friendship. A quality only few possess. He will be missed greatly.
Tyler McCabe
North Salt Lake, Ut
Words can not express how deeply saddened we all are. Don was a very important member of our family for almost 16 years. 'Iso-papa', (great-grandpa), will be greatly missed by Sofie, Jake, Mark, and Garrett who loved him so much! They loved his shirts with the pocket, always intrigued by what they would find in it. Julie, Liisa, Kristen, along with their families, and Kevin and I have a void in our lives without him. Mother has lost her greatest love, best friend and companion. Her heart is truly broken. We all will miss him as he was a loving, wonderful man. We all send our love, prayers, and deepest sympathy to all of you.
Kevin, Debbie Joseph & Family
West Jordan, UT
We were saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Don Franz. I first met Don when he returned from his post doctoral training in Edinburgh Scotland. As a graduate student, I knew he would be an excellent mentor. Together, we attended many Winter Conferences on Brain Research, and other international meetings where we presented our research findings. Don was instrumental in my acceptance into Medical School. He was always kind, understanding and humorous. We eventually began to think of him as a family member. We will always miss him, and cherish our great memories. Good bye to the "FRANZ". From: Bob, Joey and James Neumayr and Rich and Mary Strom and Family
Robert Neumayr
Yankton, SD
Family: Paula and I want to further extend our sympathy. It was most special for us to be able to join your gathering last Sunday and share in the tribute to Don and his life. When we first arrived in SLC in the early 1970's, we met Don and Barbara at Redeemer and with their kindness and friendship we became part of a circle of friends. Don was always happy and we shared many a good time together, weather skiing or at a party. It was a special time for us, moving here from Chicago where all our family lived, but Don and Barb made our transition easier. So last Sunday was a time to remember with fondness that time. The Franz family is certainly a joy to see you all and we know Don was there in spirit to be part of the celebration of his life. One thing for certain, .Don has left many memories for all of us and remembering his life makes it as easy as possible to deal with his absence. I'm sure there are many places to go that will bring his memory closer. Our love to you all!
lloyd & Paula Johnson
Salt Lake City, nan
I just heard about Don's passing. I am so very sorry to hear it. I have been friends with Inkeri Liisa for many years. Don was a wonderful person and my family enjoyed his visits to WNY a great deal. What an intelligent, witty man. He will certainly be missed by my husband Glenn as well. They were two peas in a pod when he came to visit. I will much blessings to your family. Yvette Vincent
Yvette Vincent
Ransomville, NY