Thomas E. Frantz, 81 years, a lifelong resident of Fort Madison, Iowa died unexpectedly at 8:15 am Monday, December 27, 2010 at the home of his daughter in Bellevue, Iowa. He was born November 14, 1929 at Aurora, Illinois, son of Leonard Joseph Sr. and Florence Edith (Wright) Frantz. On August 11, 1973 he married Georgina (Kamp) Roberts at the St. John's United Church of Christ in Fort Madison, Iowa. She preceded him in death December 4, 2010. He was previously married to Dorothy Sprenger. They divorced.

Mr. Frantz worked his entire career at the Sheaffer Pen Company. He started in the mail room while in college, worked in the R & D department, then worked his way up to head the Legal and Patent department. He retired from the company after fifty five years with the position of Corporate Secretary, the same position held by his father at his retirement.

With his wife Georgina, Mr. Frantz owned and managed the Anthes Motor Inn and the Riverside Inn Motel in Fort Madison.

After graduating from Fort Madison High School, he attended college at the University of Iowa, and afterwards was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

Mr. Frantz was an active member of St. John's United Church of Christ, serving for many years as Treasurer and head of the Building and Grounds committee. He was one of the founding members of the Old Settlers Association, and was a member of the Elks for thirty four years. He worked for a number of years, both before and after retiring, toward the establishment of a Sheaffer Pen Museum.

Mr. Frantz had many interests, some of which he pursued with his father. He was both a master craftsman and an entrepeneur. Just a few of his accomplishments include establishment of a typewriter ribbon factory and a candle factory; he owned and worked a small farm; built two homes and completely renovated three others, including the electrical, plumbing and concrete work. He was an avid gardener, known for his prolific tomato crops, and was an accomplished machinist, carpenter, and electronics hobbyist.

He is survived by four sons: Dana (wife Geraldine) Frantz, of Napoleons, Australia; Terry (wife Carla) Frantz, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Keith Frantz, of Rockford, Illinois; and Steve (wife Cindy) Frantz, of Ames, Iowa; one daughter, JoDee (husband Howard) Wolfe, of Bellevue, Iowa; two step-sons, Art Roberts, of Burlington, Iowa and Matt Roberts, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one brother, Leonard Joseph Frantz Jr.; two sisters, Marnie Overton, of Trenton, Missouri and Barbara Mauck, of Martinsburg, West Virginia; eighteen grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two daughters-in-law and one granddaughter.

Per his wishes, the body of Mr. Frantz has been cremated. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 31, 2010 at St. John's United Church of Christ, with visitation to follow. Reverend Mark Binder will officiate at the memorial service. Private family burial will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established for the following charitable organizations: Old Settler's Association, the Sheaffer Pen Museum, and St. John's United Church of Christ. Contributions may be made at the church on the day of the service or at the Barr Memorial Chapel.