On October 9, 1971, Aaron Dale Franz was born—the first son of Don and Val Franz, the first grandchild of Harold and Harriet Franz, and a grandson of Minnie Romanica.

Aaron had a special connection with animals, especially horses and dogs. He was very seldom seen without a dog by his side, and he almost always had his loyal companion riding with him in a semi-truck.

Aaron loved operating all different types of machinery. At a very young age, he could name the make and model of most heavy equipment and farm machinery. There’s a good chance that if you couldn’t figure a machine out, Aaron could.

When he and his younger brother Arlon were young, they worked with the older men, carried a lunch bucket to work, and caught a ride with them—because they couldn't legally drive yet. Wherever Aaron was, Arlon was there too.

Aaron loved dirt—whether it was road construction, oilfield, or farming. He also loved to hunt and could provide you with many “cheerful” hunting stories. He took pride in providing for his family. Aaron and Arlon spent countless hours hunting together and partaking in other activities they both had a passion for.

Aaron was known for his wit, his strength, and his courage. In the tough times, when asked how he was doing, he would answer, “I made it this far, I’m not giving up now.” He was an inspiration to all who knew him.

After several near-death experiences, pain, and blindness, on June 14, 2025, Aaron reached out to Jesus, knowing his time was coming to an end. He knew nothing but love until the very end and Jesus took his hands and led him home on June 15th at 3:16 p.m. He is now perfect and free from pain and blindness in God’s loving arms.

Aaron is survived by his immediate family: his loving and caring wife, Deann (Lynnes) Franz; his golden retriever, Mitchell; his loving son, Kody Boyer (Jessica); his loving daughter, Airika Blackburn (Tom); his loving parents, Val and Don Franz; his parents-in-law, Lollie and Rollie Graber and Bruce and Sharon Lynnes; his brother, Arlon, and wife, Jody Franz; brothers-in-law: Duane (Stacey), Shawn (Erin), Brian (Leah), and Michael (Linda); sister-in-law, Tammy; nieces, Morgan and Macee Franz—as well as countless other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and close friends.

Aaron is preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Harriet Franz and Mike and Minnie Romanica, and special friend, Matt Vanatta.

Aaron is loved and dearly missed by many.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world
That He gave His only begotten Son,
That whosoever believeth
In Him should not perish,
But have everlasting life.

Memorial Contribution