Dorothy F. Franz, 98 years young, of Medford, died Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Aspirus Medford Hospital.

 

She was born in Medford on July 2, 1927 to William and Freida (Pechstein) Blumenstein. 

 

On February 16, 1946 she married Melvin J. Franz.  They resided in Medford before moving to the town of Rib Lake and then moved to the town of Greenwood.  Dorothy worked at the Pea Cannery, Ben Franklin, Harvey Co. Screen Factory (now Weather Shield), and finally the shoe factory.  In her retirement, she worked at The Little Store in Medford up until about age 90.

 

Dorothy enjoyed making crafts and knitting.  She knitted hundreds of baby blankets, sweaters and other keepsakes for her family and friends, and also sold her treasures at The Little Store.  She also enjoyed working in the garden, going on casino trips and playing scratch-offs with her niece.  She cherished time spent with her family and over the years loved babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was so proud to be a great-great-grandma and enjoyed having the little ones around.

 

She is survived by her children, Gloria (Jim) Strebig of Rib Lake, Barbara Smart of Medford, Dan (Tammy) Franz of Medford; siblings, Wayne (Betty) Blumenstein, Janet Smola, Donna Mohr; sister-in-law, Sylvia Blumenstein; grandchildren, Lesia (Tom) Fuchs, Jamie Strebig, Paul (Erin) Strebig, Justin (Katelyn) Smart and Nathan (Niki) Franz; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin in 2001; a daughter, Sandy in infancy; son-in-law, Larry Smart; sisters, Flora “Babe” Aselson, Darlene Madison,  Evelyn Blumenstein; brothers, Hartley, Harold “Buddy”, Marvin and Eugene Blumenstein; brothers-in-law, Fred Jr. “Sonny” Mohr, George Smola, Gladwyn "Spud" Aselson and Gordy Madison; and a great-granddaughter, Samantha Fuchs.

 

As per Dorothy’s wishes, no services will be held.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband Melvin at Lakeview Cemetery in Rib Lake.