Produce Industry mourns loss of Franz De Klotz
The U.S. produce industry mourns the loss of a beloved community leader, fresh produce industry veteran, and supreme family man Franz Warren De Klotz.
Franz was an integral part of the southern California produce industry, spending the last four decades bringing his passion, expertise and commitment to multiple food and agriculture companies.
Franz Warren De Klotz was born April 14, 1961, in Portland, Oregon to Robert and Lila De Klotz.
Franz’s interest in agriculture began in high school. He and his brother Karl would farm almonds and pistachios on several Madera-area farms. After graduating from Bullard High School, he attended the University of California, Davis, and then transferred to Fresno State where he earned his degree in plant science and viticulture in 1983.
Following graduation, Franz began working for the state’s Agricultural Inspection Service where he spent time inspecting grapevines in the Coachella and San Joaquin Valleys, which ultimately led to his first position in the produce industry with Sun World in 1985. Several years later, Franz took a hiatus and joined the foodservice industry giant Sysco, where he helped create the company’s produce procurement department in Southern California.
When he returned to Sun World, he and his team pioneered and launched several widely successful proprietary crops, including the Superior Seedless grape and the Le Rouge Royale pepper. It was during this time Franz met his wife, Judy.
They married in 1995 and soon after Franz joined Perricone Citrus Co. until the operation was sold in 1999. Franz and Judy returned to the Coachella Valley along with their sons Emerson and Parker. A few years later, Lloyd and Olivia joined the family.
Judy and Franz set roots in the desert where they embraced and contributed richly to the valley and embraced its lifestyle. Franz was an extraordinary father, actively raising his children and being involved in their education at Sacred Heart School and Xavier College Preparatory High School.
An enthusiastic lifelong fan of music, and a student of history and world affairs, he ably balanced and successfully orchestrated time with his family, his community, and his career.
Franz served as VP of Marketing for both Richard Bagdasarian Inc. and Pasha Marketing, (for the company’s vegetable division in which he was recruited to launch). When Richard Bagdasarian Inc. sold in 2020, Franz joined the sales team at Peter Rabbit Farms in Coachella, California.
Franz was a forerunner in the Coachella Valley agricultural industry, serving in leadership positions with several local government and community organizations, including the Coachella Valley Water District board and the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
He was also appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as a member of the Colorado River Board of California.
In 2019 he was elected to the Western Growers Board of Directors. Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia said, “He was driven by a deep desire to serve our association and has left a lasting, meaningful impact on our industry through his service on our board as well as other industry and civic organizations. Franz brought his big heart, warm smile and sharp mind into so many of our deliberations. We have lost a champion.”
Franz is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Lila De Klotz. Survived by his wife Judy, and their four children: Emerson, Parker, Lloyd and Olivia. Survived by his brother Karl DeKlotz. Survived by his 9 nieces and 4 nephews.
A memorial service will be held January 5, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Palm Valley Country Club 39205 Palm Valley Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92211. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Xavier College Preparatory High School in memory of Franz De Klotz, 34200 Cook St, Palm Desert, CA 92211.
