Obituary

Marilyn Ann Bilz Franxman, 94, of Covington, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband, John (Junie) Herman Franxman in 2005. Born on November 30, 1929 to the late George and Agnes Bilz (nee: Becker), Marilyn grew up in the Northern Kentucky area and attended Holy Guardian Angels Church in Sanfordtown, KY where she met her future husband, Junie. Marilyn was a graduate of St. Henry High School in Erlanger, KY. Junie and Marilyn were joined in marriage on November 18, 1950 at Holy Guardian Angels Church. They were devoted members of St. Pius X Church in Edgewood. Junie and Marilyn raised twelve children together in a house he built after his service in World War II. Marilyn's greatest joy was her family. She truly loved the large family gatherings for holidays and special events. Marilyn enjoyed sewing and quilting projects, playing cards with her sisters and friends, day trips in the tri-state as well as longer trips with Junie and later her sisters, and was an avid reader. Marilyn collected family pictures and has lots of photo albums including one of family members napping in all kinds of improbable places or positions.

Marilyn was very patriotic and proud of her husband Junie’s (US Army) and grandson Logan’s (USMC) military service. Junie and Marilyn raised 12 hardworking sons and daughters, all with their limbs still intact (crazy family stories). They raised their children to have a devotion to God and each other and taught them a love of the outdoors and how to live on a tight budget. The love and friendship shared among their children, who gather and spend time with each other weekly, is a testament to their upbringing. Marilyn also maintained a close bond with all her siblings throughout her life.

Marilyn will be treasured in the hearts of those who survive her. Children - Richard (Karen) Franxman, Judith (Jace) Schneider, Emily Franxman, Rita Diller, David (Deborah) Franxman, Steven (Janice) Franxman, Leah (Kerry) Booker, Paul Franxman, Mark (Dianne) Franxman, Andrew (Jill) Franxman, Rachel (Daniel) Martis, and Robert (Dana) Franxman. Grandchildren - Sarah (Nolan) Dalga, Olivia (Jason) Kramer, Maria (Joseph) Hayes, Chad (Dr. Megan) Schneider, Damien Garnett, Stephanie (Timothy) Kessler, Jennifer Franxman, Patricia (Joshua) Ridgeway, Jordan (Tyler) Osborne, Kirsten Franxman, Trent (Seneca) Franxman, Emma Booker, Gina Booker, Zachary, Kelly and Molly Franxman, Lindsey and Logan Franxman, Casey and William Martis, Evan (Haley) Franxman and John Franxman. Great-grandchildren – Hazel and Chase Dalga, Jackson Kramer, Joelle Hayes, Isobel and Caroline Schneider, Katelyn (Austin) Mathias, Maddyson Garnett, Kairus, Samara and Malia Ridgeway, Chandler, Lane and Sloane Osborne, Corbin and Reagan Franxman, Tessa Franxman, and Great-great grandchild Adalyn Mathias. Sisters – Joan Merten, Patricia Blau, Elaine West, Pamela Walsh and Karen Schnelle and sister-in- law, Rose Bilz. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Bilz, and sister, Susanne Sanders.

Visitation will take place on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 9:30 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 at St. Pius X Church, 348 Dudley Road, Edgewood, KY 41017. Interment: Mother of God Cemetery, Ft. Wright, KY.

Memorials are suggested to Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg