I was part of the 2008 graduating class at CCA; he made band such a fun and wonderful experience for all of us. So patient and passionate in his role. Sending my condolences to his family and hoping Mr. Franz finds his way to music in his next life.

Talli L
May 13, 2023

Mr. Franz was part of my band career from 5th grade through 12th. I still remember in junior high, I was infatuated with the Chicago song 25 or 6 to 4. I would pretend to play it on the clear-bodied electric guitar he had in the band room. One day I showed up to band rehearsal and he had made me a cassette recording of the song to take as my own. That meant a lot to me. I will always remember going to watch him and the rest of DTKK play at Oktoberfest or any other rehearsal they had in the area over the years. Thank you for your dedication to music and students of music.

Gretchen Muhlenbruck
May 14, 2023

I taught with Tom for many years. One evening on my way home from work I noticed his walking through the tall grass bordering I 380. I stopped my car ran to him and asked him what he was doing. He told me his wife had seen a dead deer hung over a fence on her way to work and it bothered her to see that. He was going to remove it so she wouldn't have to see it. I remember thinking how my wife with her love for animals would have felt the same way. We removed the deer and I remember thinking what a kind guy he was to be so thoughtful of his wife's feelings.

Kurt Maas
May 14, 2023

I taught at CCA with Tom for many years. He always had a smile on his face and saw the glass as half full. The students loved him and had fun in his class. I always enjoyed eating lunch with him, and hearing all kinds of stories from his life. He influenced a lot of lives, and was a wonderful person! He will be dearly missed by many. My condolences to his family and friends.

Julie Meister
May 14, 2023

I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Franz’s passing, such a loss for his family and the CCA community. Mr. Franz was an inspiration for my continuing love of music. I’ve been thinking a lot about him recently as I attempt to teach my children the clarinet. He would have done a much better job than I’m doing.

Jim Kubicek
May 14, 2023

Mr. Franz was one of the most humble, patient, and optimistic teachers I’ve ever known. He made band a safe-haven for joy and expression, and (instead of punishment) I can still hear him saying “Oh, glad you could make it!” when students came in ridiculously late. He saw the best in us and encouraged us to keep showing up. And he always showed up for us. I have so many amazing memories of band, marching band, pep band, jazz band, monster band, Memorial Day observations, graduation performances, competitions, and Oktoberfest… He did it all. Thank you, Mr. Franz. Those moments are gone, but your music plays on.??????

Erin (Strait) Naveen
May 14, 2023

I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Franz’s passing, such a loss for his family and the CCA community. Mr. Franz was an inspiration for my continuing love of music. I’ve been thinking a lot about him recently as I attempt to teach my children the clarinet. He would have done a much better job than I’m doing.

Jim Kubicek
May 14, 2023

Mr. Franz was my high school band director. He is the reason that band was fun and relaxed and joyful. Music education can be very intense and serious, and he was like the jolly encouraging grandfather- full of patience and kindness. He was happy to let us try new instruments with no pressure to be great at them. I will never forget our “non- drummer drum line”. I played clarinet but had the chance to discover the joy of playing tuba. I cherish my memories of Honor Band. He took us on field trips to see college and community bands perform. He marched alongside us as we played “In heaven there is no beer” at the Oktoberfest parades- shouting “root beer” to adapt the song for high schoolers. He somehow got a marching band on the field without a single drill chart- he simply drew formations on the board and off we went. The song Sleigh Ride will always remind me of time in his band. We may not have been perfect at scales, or the most polished band, but what he gave us is something I wouldn’t trade for all the prestige in the high school band world.

Sara (Petrzelka) Makalanga
May 14, 2023

What an honor to play behind you all those years. Always helpful and always kind! You never had to be reminded "the drummer is your friend". Save a good La Voz medium hard and I will be there to count us off.

Mike Dautremont
May 15, 2023

I taught for many years with Tom. He always had a smile on j His face and a hop in his step. I enjoyed hearing his stories about his band performances with his Fairfield group. Such a likeable fellow.

Deb Kinney
May 15, 2023

I served with Tom for many years with the 34 Army Band. He was a great guy and always positive. We had many good conversations. He will be missed.

Mark Pacha
May 17, 2023

Growing up in McGregor with Tom I always considered him my best friend. We did so many crazy things together. We hiked the hills, did things with model boats and airplanes and explored areas around town. And then there was band - besides concert band there was pep band and the dixieland band (one of our favorites). I will always remember the good times we had together growing up.

Leon Hofer
May 18, 2023

I was fortunate to be able to teach along side the great "Tombo" Tom Franz. He was the likely the most optimistic, happiest, never-had-a-bad-day-in-his-life person I've known. One particular memory that comes to mind was Tom having the kids march in the sleet during the "Maifest" parade. I remember him telling kids, "come on It'll be fun". And after that parade seeing all the silly grins on their faces. Miss you Tom.

Dan Davies
May 19, 2023

Tom & I met in the 34th Army Iowa National Guard Band in the mid 1980s. We hit it off on day one because we had so many things in common: both of us were Iowa public school band directors; we enjoyed performing together in several ensembles; each had a master's degree in music; married once; he had two daughters, we had two sons; we agreed politically; each of us grew up on a farm; we enjoyed vacations together with our wives; we enjoyed dining together in our retirement years. I will miss Tom greatly.

Roscoe Porch
May 20, 2023

I knew Tom during my years in the 34th Army Band as a clarinet player. Tom was a great mentor and friend. His support for younger soldiers was unwavering. I cherish the fond memories of the great conversations we had. Sending thoughts of peace and comfort to Gerri and the rest of Tom's family.

Stacy Schmidt
May 20, 2023

I knew Tom from when he first started at Amana thru his days at CCA. He was always a happy and easy going guy. We would car pool to school often and one time he ran out of gas and coasted down the ramp right into the gas station. We also had some memorable golf outings together. I know all of his students loved him and so did our whole staff. RIP Franzie!

Steve Ottoson
May 20, 2023