Longtime Helena resident Richard (Dick) Franz, 77, died on July 13, 2021.
He was born December 30, 1943, in San Antonio, TX, to Richard and Margarete Franz. He grew up there, leaving to study at St. Mary’s University and later joining the Army. While stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he met Vivian Donegon; they were married a short time later. After a year in Vietnam, the two of them spent a year in Germany before returning to Colorado, where their son Bryan was born in 1970. They made their way in 1971 to Helena, where Dick found work as an accountant working for the state government and Viv took a job as a nurse at St. Peter’s. Their second son, Garrett, was born there in 1972.
In 1981 he took a job at Carroll College, working in the business office. He eventually became Vice President of Business Affairs, a job he enjoyed but stepped down from so he could spend more time with Viv, who struggled with MS. His last years at Carroll College were as Director of the Office of Financial Aid; he retired in 2003.
He continued his military service through the Army Reserves until 1996, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Dick loved photography, golfing with his friends, and fishing anywhere. He never lost his deep love for his home state of Texas. After Viv died in 2009, he would spend a month or more at a time in Rockport, taking walks and fishing from the pier.
He is preceded in death by his parents and Viv (2009), and survived by his sister Jackie St. Clair (Coppell, TX), his son Bryan (Novato, CA), his other son Koun (Garrett), Koun’s wife Tracy, and their kids, Cormac and Norah (Halifax, Nova Scotia).
The funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 23, at 10am at Carroll College’s All Saints Chapel, to be followed by a Graveside Service at Resurrection Cemetery with a Reception back on campus at Carrol College.
Donations in Dick’s name can be made to the Audubon Society, Prickly Pear Land Trust, or a charity of your choice.
The Funeral Mass will be broadcasted Live. The video for the broadcast opens at 9:45 a.m. with the Mass starting at 10 a.m.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 23, 2021
Carroll College’s All Saints Chapel
1601 N Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59625
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Friday July 23, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Friday July 23, 2021
Carrol College
1601 N Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59625
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 23, 2021
Carroll College’s All Saints Chapel
1601 N Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59625
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Friday July 23, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Friday July 23, 2021
Carrol College
1601 N Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59625
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Diane Cannon says
Bryan, Garrett, Jackie, Tracy, Cormac, and Norah,
Our hearts go out to you at the passing of such a fine person. Your family has meant a lot to us for 50 years, and we cherish the memories we have of our time spent together. A couple of memories that stand out of your dad:
1. When your mom could no longer feed herself, your dad would order a meal at a restaurant that your mom chose. When it arrived he would give her the first bite and then take one himself, throughout the whole meal. Such respect, care, and kindness!
2. You will remember this one: We were all camping at Holland Lake. Dick, Terry, and Diane took a hike to Upper Holland Lake to do some fishing. Dick took his first cast, a freak wind came up, the fish hook sailed around and 2 of the barbs lodged securely in his head! Ouch!! What to do? They cut the line and started the LONG hike back down the mountain. A white lizuid was oozing from the wound, but Dick insisted on trudging bravely on, determined to get back to Vivian, who would know what to do. Meanwhile, you kids had been playing on the beach and found some paper money floating close to shore. You collected the dollars, found the wallet, and turned it in at the Lodge. The owner was so relieved to have it back, and impressed with your honesty, that he rewarded each of you with, was it $10? or $20? Amidst this excitement, here came Dick needing assistance. Vivian immeditely took the bull by the horns and found a nurse practitioner at Sealey Lake, who removed the barbs without anesthetic! Ouch again!! It had been a memorable day!
Much love, Diane, Lisa, Ben, and families
Wally, Pep and Greg Jewell says
Dear Bryan and Koun and Jackie and families. So sad. Dick was a good friend and a mighty fine photographer. I met Ben Johns through Dick and the three of us took a few trips together to take photos. Of course we also had to stop and eat somewhere. It seems that your Dad always knew of a good place to stop for groceries. The three of us came to realize we shared a love for chicken fried steak, among other good things to eat. We also shared a love for a good story.
Dick was always so kind, so gentle, so giving. The neighborhood will not be the same without my friend Dick.
Peace and love to you all. Wally, Pep and Greg Jewell
Mary Hackett says
Good friends forever it seems. My twin, Marge, and I grew up with twins. Viv and her sister Gin. Met the Donegon’s when their 000mom, Eve, was a student in one of my dad’s summer classes. Harvey was Dick’s best man at their wedding as Dick was new to the area and didn’t know people here. Dick was just a fine man. Stood head and shoulders above many. Literally and figuratively.
Alan and Janice Kelley says
Bryan, Garrett and family, We lived neighbors to the Donegons on the Stevensville Burnt Fork Rd. We are glad that we were able to visit with Dick the past few years whenever we passed through Helena. Yes, he always knew of a good restaurant where we could share a meal. Our deepest sympathy to you.
Lisa Shearer says
Dear Bryan, Koun and families,
Just wanted to add to my mom’s post…
My heart is with you all today as you celebrate the life of an an amazing dad and husband, and also with you as you grieve. My memories include our many adventures as kids and your dad as a constant helpful and patient presence always willing to help with things like setting up a wind fort in the basement, lighting sparklers on the 4th of July, and making pancakes while camping (accidentally spraying bug spray instead of PAM on the pan :). As an adult, I appreciated the many thoughtful conversations and wisdom your dad had to share. Sending lots of love and a hug or two!
Laurie and Dennis Wiedmann says
Dear Family and Friends of Dick and Vivian,
Dennis and I came into Dick and Vivian’s life in our early fifties. We found Dick to be a reserved, quiet and loving soul as he had accepted the responsibility of caring for Vivian when her life with MS was just becoming limiting although they had received her diagnosis in their thirties. Their future was always uncertain. Imagine living with that amount of uncertainty that length of time as also did their children Bryan and Garrett (Koun) and Koun’s wife. We thank Bryan for keeping us informed as he also cared for his dad in times of need. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. We admired Dick and Viv’s courage and so began our friendship with them and a circle of closeness also with Bob and Knung Swartout and Shirley and Jeff Baker. We had happy memories together. Our own children were transitioning into adulthood and not always home for the holidays. For many years we celebrated the holidays together, took trips out of town to shop, enjoy restaurant meals and golfing. We also clebrated our birthdays together. There were happy times and sad times as Dick began a new chapter of his life to live without Viv. We grieved Vivian’s passing. Dick struggled with his loss and health until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which meant more difficulties were ahead. I believe Dick and Vivian were a gift to our lives, giving us an opportunity to grow while sharing their troubles, their laughter and their sadness. Dick has lived a life of service and truly become a channel of God’s love. It’s your time now, dear Dick and Vivian, to rest in peace together. We send our love to their sons and grandchildren
David William Hayes says
One day, about 25 years ago I flew to Helena Montana to meet some family members for the first time, the first person I met off the plane was Uncle Dick. A tall and stately man, I looked way up to this man I never met, and he was so gentle and kind and welcoming, and brought me to his home to visit with his family. This was likely one of the most important and shaping moments of my life, and Uncle Dick was so friendly and warm. I had the pleasure of visiting Montana a handful of times over the years in my 20’s, and I always so so warmly welcomed at his home. Uncle Dick was so kind and friendly and would routinely send me a Christmas present and card to share in holiday celebration. I enjoyed the example Uncle Dick set, about engaging life as it is, with head held high, with pride, with love and courage. Uncle Dick was a man in every sense of the word, an intelligent, brave, honorable, father, son, brother, husband, and grandfather. Uncle Dick showed amazing patience, grace, and poise in the past 13 yrs that he was alone without his love by him, his undying love and longing for her was a last beautiful reflection of his very true and loyal heart. Uncle Dick is a simple and honest man who loved and lived well, in a kind and humble way.