Carla L. Franz

Carla L. Franz, 77, of Geneseo, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Clarissa Cook Hospice House, Davenport, IA.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Kingswood Church, Geneseo.  Reverend Dr. Chris Ritter will officiate.  The visitation will be at the church from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to the Henry County Animal Shelter – Geneseo, 14606 Roos Hill Road, Geneseo, IL, 61254; Kingswood Church, 302 N. State Street, Geneseo, IL, 61254; and the Susan G. Komen Foundation via their website at www.komen.org. 

Born on June 4, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Carla was the beloved daughter of Carl and Margaret “Margie” (Hite) Krawic.

A proud member of Evergreen Park High School’s Class of 1967, Carla began her life’s greatest adventure shortly after graduation when she married her sweetheart, Martin Franz, on June 10, 1967. Together they built a beautiful life until Martin preceded her in death on April 21, 2023. She was employed as a photo retoucher for John Franks, a secretary for Klavohn Furniture, and a sales associate at Village Home Store.

Carla was a faithful and longtime member of Kingswood Church and an enthusiastic participant in the Henry County Photo Group. Her joys were many and simple: the wind in her hair while boating, warm sand beneath her feet on faraway beaches, the quiet creativity of art, the laughter-filled kitchen where she baked alongside friends and family, the fellowship of morning Bible study, and the proud cheers she offered at every game, recital, and milestone of her adored grandchildren. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, the heart of her world.

Carla’s gentle spirit, generous heart, and radiant smile will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Marty (Katy) Franz of Homewood, CA, Cheryl Hanger of Silvis, IL, and Julie (Josh) Boone of Geneseo, IL; grandchildren, Chris Franz, Kaylee Hanger, Kyle Hanger, Brook Hanger, Payton Boone, Ashton Boone, Everly Boone, and Chloe Boone; and sister, Kathleen (Ray) Grochowski of Vero Beach, FL.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Margaret Krawic; stepdad, Chester Clausen; beloved husband, Martin Franz; sister-in-law, Sue Andermann; brother-in-law, Paul Andermann; niece, Shelly Wilson Busca; and nephew, Clint Wilson.