Laura E. (Barnard) Franz

Laura E. (Barnard) Franz, 94 years of age, of Wymore passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. She was born on October 16, 1930 in Beatrice to Murray and Mary (Epp) Barnard. Laura graduated from Beatrice High School and then worked as a secretary for Reed Insurance in Beatrice. She married Theodore “Ted” Janzen on November 23, 1950 at First Mennonite Church. Laura worked on the family farm and then later in life, other miscellaneous jobs including caring for people. In 1997, she married Robert Franz at First Mennonite Church. Laura was a lifelong member of First Mennonite Church where she was active with WMS. She enjoyed working side by side with Ted, traveling with Bob in their motor home, wintering in Texas, and especially cooking and entertaining all of her family.

Laura is survived by her children, Ruth Marie Detwiler of Telford, Pennsylvania, Ron Janzen and significant other Linda Schuller of Wymore, LeRoy Janzen and wife Doreen of Beatrice, Virgil Janzen of Holmesville, Leslie Janzen of Lexington, South Carolina, Maria DeBloc of Beatrice; step children, Lindy Bixler and husband Bob of Lincoln, Jerry Franz and wife Tina of Topeka, Kansas, Jim Franz and wife Monica of Lawrence, Kansas; 17 grandchildren; 8 step grandchildren; many great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; former daughters-in-law, Sharon Janzen of Lakewood, Colorado, Tammie Janzen of Beatrice; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; 1st husband, Theodore “Ted” Janzen on March 9, 1992; 2nd husband, Robert Franz on December 24, 2006; son-in-law, Leon Detwiler; daughter-in-law, Chris Janzen; grandchildren, Brenda Janzen, Corey Janzen; sister, Anna Louise Jantzen and husband Harold; brother, Howard Barnard and wife Elsie; and sister-in-law, Margaret Gingerich.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, October 25, 2024 at the First Mennonite Church west of Beatrice with Pastor Josh Janzen officiating. The service will be live streamed on the FMC Beatrice YouTube page. A family prayer service will be held at 1:45 PM Friday in the church basement. Interment will follow in the Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from 2 to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 5:30 to 7 PM. Memorials are suggested to the First Mennonite Church in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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