Franz R. Metzger

METZGER, Franz R. "Coach"
Kalamazoo Our Loving Father, also known as the "Walking Man" to family, friends and countless others, He now sends us a final wave as he begins his solitary journey. He was born January 18, 1921 in Kalamazoo, MI the son of Reinhold and Elsie Ray Metzger and was a resident of the area for many years. He served in the United States Army from 1942 until 1945 and attained the rank of corporal after only 2 months of service. Franz also won a medal for marksmanship. When he came home from the service, he returned to the General Gas Light Company, which became Humphrey Products, where he remained for 42 years. On December 28, 1945, he married Majel Banfield, who preceded him in death on August 22, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his parents; 2 grandchildren; 3 sisters, Lillian, Mary and Elsie. Franz is survived by his children, Cheryl Metzger of Kalamazoo, Sue White-Sutton Roger of Plainwell, Dave Metzger Lora of Vicksburg, Deborah Jackson of Parchment and Margaret Metzger Chappell Paul of Tolono, IL; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews and 3 sisters-in-law LaQuita Stone Jack of Kalamazoo, Nancy Horn Bob of Kalamazoo, and Betty Weddington Walt of Mattawan. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 11:00 AM in the Lutheran Church of the Savior, 3616 East G Ave., with Pastor Matt Weiler, officiating. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Comstock Chapel, 6121 King Highway, on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Special Olympics.