Karin Franz went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 17, 2025 in Sumterville, FL surrounded by her loving family. Karin was born on December 24,1933 in Hamburg, Germany.
Karin was raised in northern Germany and immigrated to the United States at age 22 to learn English. During her journey to America she met the love of her life, Rolf Franz. She lived with a host family in New York and worked until Rolf visited for Christmas and proposed. From there they relocated to South Florida and started a family.They decided to finish raising their children and spend their retirement in Sumterville, FL.
Karin lived the rest of her days embodying what can only be described as a loving and devoted Wife, Mother, and Friend. An extraordinary and selfless caretaker, Karin had a fondness for animals, gardening, fresh flowers, sewing costumes for the children in the family, hosting dinners, and lending a hand or ear whenever one was needed. An exemplary woman of elegance, she made everyone she met feel welcomed and loved.
Karin is survived by her children: Gary (Michelle) Franz, Sonja (Glenn) Franz-Smith; Grandchildren: Candace Street, Nicole Franz, Heather Martinez, Brett Franz, William “Billy” Williams, Sara Merritt, Elizabeth Franz; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and longtime son at heart and friend Michael Lazenby.
She was preceded in death and is now reunited with her parents Harry and Ilse Gruber; brother; her devoted husband of 43 years, Rolf Gustav Franz; and loving son Andrew “Andy” Franz.
To keep true her wishes, a short service will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Florida National Cemetery located at 6502 SW 102nd Ave Bushnell, FL 33513 with Pastor Todd Herold officiating.