Anselm "Sam" G. Franz

Anselm “Sam” G. Franz, 99, of Iron River, MI passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

He was born on March 22, 1927, in Billerio, Italy, the son of the late Valentino and Margherita (Croatto) Franz. Sam attended St. Anthony High School in Detroit, MI and graduated in 1945. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Sam married Peggy Mengarelli on April 11, 1981, in Detroit, MI. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this year.

He was employed as a heating inspector for the City of Detroit. Sam was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River and attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian. He was a former member of the Iron River Elks Lodge #1671, where he was an Elk of the Year. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with friends Wayne and Ruth Raymond, camping, dancing with Peggy, playing cards, reading, and telling stories, especially about flying a Piper Cub airplane.

Sam is survived by his wife, Peggy of Iron River; daughters, Karen (Jerry) Cook of Canton, MI and Phyllis (Lloyd) Rudolph of Clinton Township, MI; son, Alexander (Janelle) Franz of Greenville, MI; brothers, Pete (Mary) Franz of Florida, Guido (Bea) Franz of Illinois, and Carlo (Joanne) of Michigan; sister, Elsa Gregg of Michigan; grandchildren, April, Cam, Brendan, Sydney, Benjamin, Caleb, and Joelle; four great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by a great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.

Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel Dapaah to offer the Mass of Christian Burial.