Our beloved, loving, caring Michael, 39, left this world too soon to be with his Lord and Savior, on October 6, 2020.  He was born on January 31, 1981, in Anacortes, the son of John & Patty Franz.

He graduated with the Class of 1999 at AHS and spent two years at Wenatchee Valley College and one and a half years at Everett College studying Mechatronics.  Michael was a talented athlete; he was an outfielder during his baseball playing days in high school, earning second string all-league honors. He went on to pitch and play outfield  for Wenatchee in college.  After his college playing days Michael played many years of sports league softball and also helped to coach Little League baseball teams.

While Michael enjoyed playing baseball and almost any other sport, he absolutely loved football. He played as much football as possible, attempting to get into football two years before his age made him eligible.  The team coach at the time would not allow a boy so young on the team, but the next year, still a year younger than most players in the league Michael was outfitted with his first set of football gear and he played. He was battered, bruised maybe even beat up a bit but he learned how to play, and spent the offseason preparing (yes! even at 9-10 yrs. old) for the next football season.  He went on to play in the junior football league as long as he was eligible and began looking forward to his freshman year of high school as soon as the season ended.  This was when he learned of the weightlifting requirements that were in place at the Anacortes high school at that time.  The amount of weight that had to be lifted by any athlete that wanted to play varsity football appeared insurmountable compared to his ability in the eighth grade, but Michael was determined.  That determination payed off and Michael was one of the only freshman to ever qualify for the varsity team as long as that weightlifting requirement existed.   Michael went on to play all four years on the varsity team on both the offensive line and at linebacker on defense, earning many all-league mentions or team positions.

His other favorite pastimes were weightlifting, backpacking with his dad and friends and spending many hours in the garage working on projects.

Michael is preceded in death by his grandparents: Paul and Helen Mahoney, John Franz, Sr., several aunts and uncles and his beloved stepdaughter Darian Sather.  He is survived by his parents; step-son Eli Sather,  brother Todd and sisters-in-law Erinn Welliver, nephews: Mathew and Nolan; Grandma, Cordie Swan; many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces; and special friends: Calvin Kinslow and his life partner Misty & their family. Calvin and Misty asked to identify Michael as the most genuine, caring, generous and honest friend that anyone could ever have.  Last but not least, Chubby his pet dachshund.

A private family graveside service was held at Fernhill Cemetery and a celebration of his life is being planned to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to:

 Mighty to Save Ministries  , P. O. Box 1738, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

To view photos of Michael and to share memories of Michael, please sign the online guestbook at  https://www.evanschapel.com