Marilyn Frantz

Marilyn Frantz, age 83, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Avantara Norton in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.  Pastor Joe Ellyson and Sam Ellyson will officiate. 

Visitation will be prior to services on Tuesday starting at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.  Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Blumenthal, Brent Blumenthal, and Mike Flannery.  Active pallbearers will be Rich Koehn, Courtney Livingstone, Keith Olson, Gary Stienmetz, Rocky West, Kevin Engel, Randy Fryer, and Bobby Johnson.

Marilyn L. Frantz was born on May 10, 1940, in Walker Mine, CA, to Harold and Laurine (Holusek) Lamb. She graduated from Grass Valley High School in 1958.

On January 5, 1964, Marilyn married William “Bill” Frantz in Sacramento, CA. The couple remained in Sacramento while Bill attended college. In 1968, they moved to Watertown, SD, and the couple went into partnership with Bill’s father at Frantz Auto & Yamaha. In 2010, Marilyn moved back to California to be a full-time caregiver for her mom, until she moved back to Watertown in 2018.

Marilyn was known for having the most outgoing, welcoming, and caring personality. She also enjoyed volunteering her time to help others. In the 1970's, she spent many weekends with her husband at motocross races, helping the dealership’s riders (or “their boys,” as she likes to call them) go out and win. After the arrival of their son, she found her purpose in life as a mother.  Marilyn loved being involved with Will’s school activities, such as being a “den mother” to his cub scout troop and “room mom” to his classmates at Mellette Elementary and other school events. She also enjoyed being active in the church and singing in the choir. Even in her later years, Marilyn’s irresistible, kind, and compassionate personality shined through, and she was adored by everyone. When friends and family would visit her, the staff and residents at her assisted living would always respond, “You’re here to see Marilyn? Oh, she is just the sweetest and nicest lady we have ever met!”

Marilyn is survived by her son William Frantz (Katie Magnison), of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Gavin Frantz, Kipton Magnison, and Deklan Magnison.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, and one sister.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel    www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

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