Robert (Bob) Waldo Frantz, 88 of Huntley, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2014 following a sudden illness.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Ellen (Ellis) Frantz, his children Margaret Gail (Chuck) Elmer, Robert Gregory Frantz and Shirley Jean Frantz, grandchildren, Matthias Elmer, Theodore Elmer, Christopher Elmer, his brother in law, Albert (Donna) Ellis and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Randall David Frantz and his sisters, Mildred deVries, Dorothy (Joseph) Hawkins, Marilyn Burke.
He was born August 5, 1926 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of Olna and Leita (Rhoads) Frantz. Bob and Ruth were married in 1949 in Kansas City, MO and ultimately settled in Roselle, IL, Bob having been employed by Motorola working in microwave communications. Bob was a Roselle, IL board member and was elected Mayor of Roselle in 1969. Later he was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad and MCI and moved from Roselle to Huntley, IL. Besides his family Bob enjoyed a longtime passion for private flying and owned seven different airplanes at various times, most recently Piper Arrow 6398C. Thanks to good friends and co-pilots Ken Hermach and John McConnochie Bob was able to do some flying as late as in his 87th year. Bob was proud he received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2013.
Bob's flying career includes over 7,500 hours and Private, Commercial, Instrument, Seaplane, Multiengine, and ATP ratings. He has flown all over the United States and to many other countries. Bob enjoyed long time active membership in Northeast Pilots Association, Illinois Pilots Association and The United States Pilots Association.
In his later years Bob received exceptional medical care and was thankful for the services of Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL and his doctors Gary Lewison, Maciej Malinski, Mohammad Zahid and others. Bob served in the United States Army and his cremains are to be inurned at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date.
Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2014, with visitation after 9:30 at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to your favorite charity or the Huntley Fire Protection District.
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Ruth and family- My most heartfelt condolences on your loss. We never know when a loved one will be taken, but we are never ready to let go. Another guardian angel for flyers everywhere. God bless.
Ruth and family- Thinking of you all on this very sad day. Our most heartfelt condolences on your loss. We are all born for this day, to once be returned to our savior in the cosmos. God bless