Josephine Franz

Josephine Hartough Franz was born on March 6, 1933 to Eugene (Gene) Hartough and Florence Thayer (Susie) Hartough in Chicago, IL. She departed this life on September 1, 2016 at The Oberon Assisted Living in Arvada, CO.

Jo, as she was known, was the youngest of 4 girls, Mildred (Hartough), Janet (Algar) and Barbara (Brittain). Her father was a photographer and she spent her formative years near Green Lake, WI, attending and graduating from Ripon College in Ripon, WI. After moving to Indianapolis with her husband Bill and their 2 children, she became very involved in the church choir at Meridian Street Methodist Church, possessing a love for music and a beautiful voice. In addition to her talents and other hobbies including being an avid reader, Jo was very smart, becoming a Certified Public Accountant, while being a full time mother, eventually moving to Philadelphia working for Coopers and Lybrand.

After retirement, Jo moved back to the Green Lake area to live with her sister Mildred, both being avid Green Bay Packer fans, enjoying each other's company and that of the small community in which they lived. Jo eventually moved to Colorado to be near her son, Bill and his family.

Jo will be remembered as a loving mother, aunt and friend. She always had a great sense of humor and was a master at making lemonade out of lemons. Her positive attitude and vow to live life "one day at a time" was infectious and an excellent example for those around her to use in their daily journeys.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters. She is survived by her son Bill and his wife Regina of Pine, CO, their children and her only grandchildren, Sawyer and Gretchen. She is also survived by a daughter, Julie Franz of Cincinnati, OH.

There will be a private family gathering in Green Lake, WI where her ashes will be spread at her request.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Lung Association, in the name of Josephine H. Franz.