Martin Robert Franz age 77, was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 26, 2026. He was born on September 4th, 1948 to Vernon and Ruby Franz at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lincoln Lutheran Church, rural Lake City, MN. He grew up in Zumbro Falls, MN and graduated from Lincoln High School, in Lake City. After high school he enlisted in the Army under the ‘buddy plan” with a good friend of his they left March 26, 1968 for boot camp in Ft. Campbell, KY. Marty’s only brother, Richard, was in the Air Force and at the time was stationed in Vietnam. Marty’s tour to Vietnam was delayed by 3 months, until his brother was back in the states. He flew into Nam on the 4th of July and stayed for 9 months. He received an honorable discharge and returned home in March 1970. He was lifetime member of the VFW Post 1802 in Zumbro Falls, and a member of the American Legion of Mazeppa.
He met and married Linda Lane in 1971, at Trinity Lincoln Lutheran Church and they lived in the Zumbro Falls area all their lives. Initially Marty and a friend started their own business of moving and setting up mobile homes. Shortly after, having his own toter, he went to work for Rochester Mobile Homes for four years, moving homes that they sold. In 1978 he went to work for Laursen’s Mobile Home Sales in Rochester. Moving and setting up the homes that were sold from the inventory. He enjoyed the variety of tasks the job entailed and the benefit of working outdoors. Even though it was hot, tedious, and a lot of crawling on his hands/knees. He would, at times, help with odd jobs on their large farm when needed. Some of which included branding of the long horn cattle, building fence, assisting with the beautiful Belgin horses. Loading them into the semi along with a wagon to participate in large parade events across the country.
Laursen’s sold the mobile home sales part of their business in 1991. Marty continued to work for them, as manager of the two mobile home parks they owned in Rochester. In 2017 they sold the largest mobile home park, Hallmark Terrace. Marty retired in 2018 having worked a total of 38 years for a wonderful business entity, and boss.
He loved to hunt and fish and traveled several years out west hunting elk, mule deer and once to the Alaskan Tundra for caribou. He also took many trips up north, and into Canada fishing. He also made several trips to ‘Sturgis’. He was an avid reader of many books on the Vietnam war and especially liked books about WWII. He had 5 uncles on his father’s side that were in WWII at the same time, one of which was at Pearl Harbor. God brought all of them safely home.
He is survived by wife, Linda, of 55 years, son Dustin Franz, daughter, Dana Briggs, Grandchild, C. J. Briggs all of Rochester area. Brother Richard Franz (Myra) of Rapid City, SD, Nephews Barry Franz of Layton, UT, Terry Franz (Heather) of Rochester, and Niece Julie Modisette (Brad) of Baytown, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Christian Funeral Service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Trinity Lincoln Lutheran Church, RR, Lake City. (3 miles north of Zumbro Falls) with a Christian burial at Pleasant Dale Cemetery with military honors. (3 miles South of Zumbro Falls). Lunch will follow at the VFW Post 1802 in Zumbro Falls.
We will always remember how kind Marty was and were blessed knowing him. Sympathy to your family, With Love Ted and Shirley
Sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. He was a very nice and friendly guy, I am sure he will be missed by many. Sympathy to all his family
Rest in Peace Marty. You will be missed. My deepest sympathies to Linda, Dusty, Dana and family at this difficult time. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you.