Mariam Leffler was born March 19, 1943 in McPherson ...



Memorial ServiceMcPherson Church of the BrethrenSaturday, March 19, 2011, at 1:00 PMOfficiating ClergyRev. Chris Whitacre Pastor Kathryn WhitacreRev. Shawn ReplogleTributeDr. Paul HoffmanSpecial Music Quartet: “How Great Thou Art”“On Eagles’ Wings”Vocalists: Merrin Godfrey, Paul Wagoner,Dave Albright, Bud TaylorHymn: Move in Our Midst”, #418Ellen Gilbert, organist/pianistUshersWesley DeCoursey Ed ButlerPaul Wagoner Glenn Gayer John Burkholder503872518034000InurnmentMcPherson Cemetery ~ McPherson, KansasMemorial DonationsThe family suggests that memorial donations be given to McPherson College or McPherson Church of the Brethren in loving memory of Merlin.AppreciationOn behalf of the family, we wish to express their sincere appreciation for all your kindnesses, evidenced in thought and deed and for your presence at this service. Stockham Family Funeral HomeMerlin Levine FrantzJuly 19, 1921 ~ March 7, 2011B23736308001000orn July 19, 1921, in Navarre, Kansas, son of Lela Augusta Dell Frantz and Earl Martin Frantz, Merlin was the son of a Church of the Brethren minister. Merlin spent his early years in Sabetha, Kansas and the Ivester community in Iowa. Merlin married ImoJean Sheller against her parents’ wishes on August 23, 1944. He studied at McPherson College, Bethany Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, and the University of Nebraska, earning a PhD in education and psychology. After a pastorate at the Church of the Brethren in Nickerson, Kansas, he went to post World War II Italy with his wife and friends, Eugene and Eloise Lichty, to help in the reconstruction effort. Most of their time was spent working with orphaned children and distributing international aid. After two years in Italy, Merlin and ImoJean took a position in Carlton, Nebraska as the principal of the high school, working with superintendent and lifelong friend, Dayton Rothrock. Daughter, Claudia, was born February 16, 1949.The couple then took a pastorate in Lincoln, Nebraska so that Merlin could continue his post-graduate education. Daughter, Lynne, was born in Lincoln October 5, 1951. Merlin traveled the state during the Lincoln years as the Nebraska CROP director. In 1954 the family of four moved to McPherson, Kansas to be the professor of education. During the next 37 years, he served in various positions for the college,(continued on back)eventually working as the vice president of academic affairs. His family affectionately called him “Mister McPherson College” during those years. Daughter, Dawnelle, was born August 19, 1957, to complete a trio of three daughters. 50666651073785006355270500Merlin enjoyed building houses, often working with brother-in-law, Raymond Flory, and brother, Byron Frantz. He almost always walked to work, and enjoyed the therapy of woodworking, making gifts for his children, grandchildren, and friends. He was a firm believer in the peace position of the Church of the Brethren, and active member of the People of Peace. Merlin was a Rotarian and worked diligently promoting good relations between McPherson College and the community of McPherson.Merlin’s life was enmeshed in the Church of the Brethren, and specifically with the McPherson Church of the Brethren. He served in many positions of leadership in the church, including the board of directors of Bethany Seminary and the board of directors of the Mutual Aid Association. Merlin was proud of the fact that he and ImoJean had driven in all fifty states and several foreign countries. Merlin was an accomplished cook. He made peanut brittle for friends, church, and family up until his last months of life. Eggs Benedict was a family favorite, and Christmas Eve was not complete without some of Merlin’s potato rivel soup and homemade eggnog. Merlin’s favorite saying was “You can get a lot done if you don’t care who gets the credit.”To close his letters to family members and at times of parting, Merlin would write or say “RTFT,” Remember The Frantz Tradition.Survivors are his wife, ImoJean; brother, Byron Frantz (Eula); sister, Rowena Flory; daughters, Claudia Law, Lynne Lichty (Dr. Dan), Dawnelle Adcock (Brett), 10 grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren.Merlin & ImoJean Frantz 67 Great Years Together ................
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