Daniel 'Dan' Frantz III, 83

Daniel "Dan" Frantz III

April 30, 1939 — April 6, 2023

In tribute to a great man, in celebration of a wonderful life!

With a heavy heart, we share the passing of Dr. Daniel Frantz, a local chiropractic physician, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Dan was turning 84 when he unexpectedly left this world. He was stricken with a sudden aneurysm and subsequent stroke. He peacefully passed, surrounded by those he loved. True to his passion for helping others, Dr. Frantz worked until the final days of his life. He was known to never turn away a patient in need.

Dan was born to Alvin Daniel Frantz Sr. and Hilda Frantz in Plymouth, Wis. He graduated in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-64 as a radar communications operator. He was stationed at Strategic Stephenville AFB in Newfoundland when he became a true hero. Early one morning, Dan was awakened by his lieutenant and ordered out of bed. He was told it was urgent, but no additional details. After a frantic 30-minute race to the town's hospital, he was quickly wheeled into the maternity ward, still not knowing what was happening. They rolled his gurney next to the woman giving birth and gave a direct transfusion to the mother-to-be. Our Dan was the only person in the area who was known to have O-negative blood, only 7% of the population have O-negative blood. All went well and the story was written in the town's newspaper and Dan became a local hero! While in the Air Force, Dan began his college studies. Upon discharge, he moved to California and worked for Bernina, an exclusive sewing machine company. During that time, he met and fell in love with Ellen, who became his life's true and enduring love. After they were married, they moved to Santa Barbara, Calif., where they began their own franchise, ultimately bringing it to North Idaho, where they wanted to raise their three children, Cynthia Kay Lillenquist; James Frantz (Cynthia Campbell); and Dani Frantz Rasmussen (Joel).

Dan's grandfather, Alvin Daniel Frantz, received the very first chiropractic license in Wisconsin, and Dan decided to follow suit. He attended LACC, Los Angeles Chiropractic College and completed his doctorate in 1973. He received his doctorate of chiropractic and his FIAMA (Fellowship in the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture), and Certified Chiropractic Orthopedic. Dan was an attentive, compassionate and personable doctor who truly enjoyed his patients, many of who became longtime friends. He had many interests and talents, including being a successful archer and having won countless competitions, as he represented the USAF while in the service. He also belonged to an archery club — CdA Bowman. The club has been around since 1946 and Dan was one of the longtime and oldest members. The group promotes archery to children through their nonprofit training. Groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and various church groups. Dan was very strong and had the ability to pull a 90-pound bow, which is something the younger men in his group could barely do. He also donated his chiropractic care to members of the club. He was asked by the USAF to become the archery instructor, but he declined. He also represented the USAF in swimming competitions and was an avid fisherman, boater and skier.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Ellen, and their equally cherished children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy (Dr. Marcus Meilahn).

Family who passed before Dan were his parents, Alvin and Hilda, his nephew and godson, Brian Meilahn and Dan's 2-year-old son, A. Daniel IV, who left this earth too early and whom we can only rejoice in his arms again.

A celebration of Dan's life will be held at noon on June 10, 2023, at the City Park Picnic Shelter, 415 Fort Ground Dr., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Please see Dan's extended obituary online at yatesfuneralhomes.com. Donations can be sent to go fund me on Facebook for Ellen Frantz.