Joseph R. Franzmathes

Joseph (Joe) R. Franzmathes passed away on November 19th, 2025, at the age of 88. Joe was born on September 3rd, 1937, in Beloit, KS to Lawrence K. and Cecelia T (Bergman) Franzmathes. He attended the Hyde rural school and St John’s High School, then earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in environmental health engineering from University of Kansas.

Joe married Roberta (Robbie) L. Millert on February 27, 1965. They were married for 49 years and 10 months until her passing in late 2014. Survivors are their two sons Richard and Robert (Jaime), four grandchildren: Nathaniel, Abigail, Benjamin, and Lucas, brother Charles (wife Paula), brother-in-law Greg Millert (wife Linda, children Aubrey and Lindsay) and best friend Millie Broussard.

He worked for the Environmental Protection Agency and its predecessor agencies for 35 years. During that time, he served as Division Director of several programs within the agency. He was a Professional Engineer and author of several peer-reviewed professional engineering papers. After retirement, Joe and Robbie spent their later years in the Martin/ Toccoa, GA area enjoying the community and many beloved friendships.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00am at St Mary Catholic Church located at 231 Rothel Road, Toccoa, GA 30577 with Father Henry Pham officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memoriam to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html)