Richard “Charlie” Vernon Franz was born on December 5, 1942 in Lake City, Minnesota and passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force retiring with the rank Master Sergeant after 24 years of dedicated service. During the Vietnam War, he served as a forward air controller at Bien Hoa Air Force Base with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, carrying out duties that required both courage and commitment.

Following his military retirement in 1985, Charlie made his home in Rapid City, where he built lasting friendships and pursued many interests and hobbies. He enjoyed Dutch oven cooking, auto restoration, camping, gun reloading, and competitive shooting sports, including Metallic Silhouette Shooting.

Charlie was also an important member of the church family at Piedmont Valley Lutheran Church. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping raise the church bell that had been brought from a church in eastern South Dakota through the efforts of his dear friends, Tim and Sheila Nold. Charlie also helped restore the bell’s deteriorated wooden wheel, making it possible for the bell to swing once again — a lasting symbol of his craftsmanship, generosity, and devotion to his church community.

Richard “Charlie” Vernon Franz is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Myra (Watson) Franz; his sister-in-law Linda Franz; his children Barry Franz, Terry (Heather) Franz, Julie (Brad) Modisette, Chris (Terry) Newkirk; his cherished grandchildren Jacob, Joshua, Riley, Kaley, Sarah, Jared, Jason, Christine, Kaitlyn; and great grandchildren Penelope, Paisley, and Peter. Preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Vernon Franz; his brother Martin Franz; and his son Michael Watson.

Memorial services will be held June 9, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Piedmont Valley Lutheran Church. Inurnment will follow at 2:30 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery.