Surnames: Franz, Jeffers, Schultze

----Source: Mae Franz Obit from Memorial Service June 11, 2005, Immanuel United Church of Christ, Greenwood, Wisconsin

Mae was born February 17, 1922 in Clark County. The third child of Max and Eleanor Schultze. She joined her older brothers Willima (Pete) and Jim. The family eventually grew to 18 children.

Edwin Franz was a frequent visitor to "Greens", one of Mae's first employers. On September 2, 1943, she married Ed. They had three children, Lee, Nancy and Lynn. Ed and Mae ran several buisness during their lifetime - Tavern and cheese factory, farm and cheesefactory, cheese factory and country store. Mae also worked at the IGA in Greenwood before moving to South Dakota.

Mae moved to Sturgis, South Dakota to join Ed in about 1965. In South Dakota and North Dakota she ran a cheese store which was part of the cheese factory.

After losing her husband in 1975, Mae moved to Edmont, South Dakota and managed a bar and restaurant, "The Sagebursh Inn". During this time, she faithfully followed her younger son's racing years at the Black Hills Speedway, many wekk ends driving the 180 mile round trip to Rapid City 2-3 times a week for the big races.

One of her proudest moments was when she won the "Demolition Derby" at the Fall River County Fair, Edgemont. She finally had her own tropy to put next to Lynn's. The last years she worked, she was at Stockman's Bar in downtown Edgemont, South Dakota.

Mae lost her youghest child, Lynn, in 1986. This left her with no immediate family in South Dakota. But she had some very good friends that were very supportive. One week end, her and several friends took a trip on horseback. They took a pack mule to carry the refreshments. A good time was had by all, but Mae recieved one of the worst sun burns she ever had and didn't walk real well the next day.

She owned her own horse for a short time.

Mae wan a free trip to Disneyland. She took her grandson along with her friend Joann and her son to Disneyland in California. A few years later, Joann won a trip to Hawaii and took Mae to Hawaii. On the day she was supposed to return from Hawaii, she called about 11:00 p.m. saying they were still on the beach in Hawaii and were going to extend their stay. Lots of good stories from that trip.

Mae spent the last 15 months of her life living in Milwaukee with her daughter. She had Long Cancer, Emphysema and Diabetes. In spite of her physical conditon, she stayed very positive and very full of fun until the end. Her mind was sharp and she continued to read up until two days before she left us. She was always a trooper and never complained. A pleasure to be around.

Mae had 5 Grandchildren, six great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Mae was precedded in death by one sister and five brothers.