Franz J. Berlacher

Franz Joseph Berlacher, age 86, passed away April 29, 2015 at Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania, Ohio.  Franz was born in Toledo to Franz and Theresa Berlacher on December 18, 1928.  He attended  Gesu Parish and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1945, a year early, at the age of 16.  Franz attended the University of  Notre Dame before leaving for the University of Chicago Medical School at 18 years old.  He graduated from Medical School in 1951 and married Audrey Boicey, the love of his life, that same year.  Together, Franz and Audrey moved to Detroit where he began his residency in Internal Medicine at Henry Ford Hospital.  Franz was briefly stationed in Honolulu with the US Army before returning to Detroit in 1956.  Franz and his growing family moved to Toledo in 1958 where he became Chief of Cardiology at Mercy Hospital, a position he held for 30 years.  He served as Chief of Staff at Mercy Hospital.  Franz practiced medicine from 1951 to 2005 and was blessed to practice from 1981 to 2005 with his son, Paul.  His many professional memberships included the Academy of Medicine, where he was a former vice-president, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.  Franz loved medicine and people.  The conversations he had with his patients and their families throughout the years became some of his most treasured memories. For 34 years, Franz and Audrey always looked forward to family gatherings in their home in Glen Arbor, Michigan.  Franz was an avid fan of Notre Dame football and enjoyed game day road trips with his sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons.  He liked good food and good wine and loved travelling to Napa and Sonoma to experience them together.  Franz was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was a vocal supporter of his grandchildrens sporting events and other school activities in many locations.  In later years, he and Audrey looked forward to Sunday dinners at Paul and Chris home with Chris parents, Joe and Mary Ann Colturi, and other family members. Franz is survived by his wife, Audrey; sons, Paul (Chris) of Sylvania, Bob (Julie) of Chicago, IL and Glen Arbor, MI, Mark (Phyllis) of Charlotte, NC and Greg (Cindy) Berlacher of Phoenixville, PA; daughters, Debbie (Jack) Briggs of Cleveland, OH, Laura (Rodney) Ward or Durham, NC, and Gretchen (David) Houghton of Durham, NC; 19 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.  Although he was an only child, he would often say over many (66) years that Esther Heil, his head nurse and office manager, was like a sister, constantly watching out for him.  In later years (the last 40 years), Mary Chandler has become a dear friend, companion, and caregiver to both Franz and Audrey.  Both Esther Heil and Mary Chandler are very important members of our family. Visitation will be Friday, May 1, 2015 from 3-8:00pm with a 7:00pm Scripture Service at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.).  A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St. Sylvania, OH 43560.  Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church or Ebeid Hospice Residence, 5200 Harroun Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560.  Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.