Condolences to the family of Mike Franz

GRCC is sad to hear about the passing of Mike Franz, who taught English and film classes for 37 years.

Our photos show Mike in 1980, and a recent portrait of him with Marianne, his wife of 40 years.

When he wasn’t teaching, Mike was tirelessly working in his community, including decades in the global education peace movement. He volunteered for organizations including Institute for Global Education, Senior Advocates, Stephen Ministry, Earth Keepers, Moveon.org, and Spectrum Health Continuing Care – serving as a volunteer pianist for the shut-ins. He was active in his church, Trinity Lutheran in Grand Rapids, serving 23 years as a keyboardist in the contemporary worship services.

He will be missed by colleagues and the community as a whole, leaving a legacy of involvement and many warm memories. We extend our condolences to Mike’s family.