We are very sorry to report that well known DXer and hugely respected operator, Franz DJ9ZB has gone silent key. Markus, DL1AN GDXF Treasurer provided the following sad info:
Unfortunately, I have to inform you that the honorary president of the German DX Foundation (GDXF) Franz, DJ9ZB gave up the key forever yesterday. This is just a short piece of information so far. We spoke on the phone last week – he sounded well. As soon as we know more, especially regarding the funeral, we will get back to you here. From the entire board: Franz, rest in peace!
Vale Franz
You gave me many all time New DXCC’s.
Thank you my friend RIP a great operator.
Bob
Mourning a legendary DXpeditioner and kind-hearted friend. Having known Franz on the air for several decades, I had the priviledge to meet him in person at Friedrichshafen in 2017. He was always so helpful towards my DXpeditions and we regularly contacted on-air for DX Marathons. RIP dear Franz, we will miss your presence!
R I P
Hi Franz ,
incredible sad info ………and more ……… unforgettable …… date of your death same day of my bithday: 8 may 1948 .
RIP FRANZ
Dom
i1APQ
Sad news RIP Franz, a great dxpeditioner, and friend… We shared holiday expeditions and many fun times at messe Friedrichsafen….. when i look around my shack and see the Kure Atoll plaque signed by Franz DJ9ZB….. Never forgotten…. 73 OM de Curtis MW0USK
RIP OM Franz, …
We are loosing a great DX er friend
DE YB1FWO
I have known Franz personally for many years and have met him many times. My condolences. RIP Franz!
I am deeply saddened to hear of Franz passing. He was my QSL manager as well as my brother Victor’s from the first QSO I made.
I know the entire ham fraternity will mourn the loss of Such a kind and generous ham.
Rest in peace Franz.
Ron, 4S7RO, 6Y5/4S7RO, VK4NRO
It’s sad we lost a gentleman and a great DX’er,
however we will always remember you with great sympathy !
73 Franz, RIP
HB9ALO, Mauro
I met Franz on the air in the mid-70s, corresponded with him for many years, and at the end of the 90s finally met in person in Friedrichshafen.
The good memory of Franz as a great man and DXer will forever remain in my heart. His life in HAM radio was an example for many of us to follow. I am very sorry for this huge loss…
Rest in peace my dear friend Franz…
Nick SP/UT5UT
Franz was one of my idols. I have had many QSOs with his numerous expeditions. He was in frequent contact with Les SP3DOI, and after his death, I started getting e-mails from him. He always ended his e-mails with the line “I love Poland”. The last QSO I had with Franz was during my recent activity from Austral Is. Then we exchanged e-mails. I will miss Franz on the air.
RIP Franz.
Jacek SP5EAQ
A great DXer is SK, after his friend Zorro. RIP Franz !
I am devastated to heard about the passing away of much loved Fran. He was my QSL manager and I met him in Germany along with Marita. Words fail me in expressing my grief and disbelief at losing such a great man.
Rest in peace dear Franz. Memories and stories about your great work will remain for a long long time.
Victor 4S7VK
Franz, since I started DX’ing in the late 70’s, you have always been my idol. Since then, we have met on many occasions, and we became very good friends. The XYL, Alveena, DE1AJS and me are very sorry and we will always keep you in our heart. We were already looking forward to meet you at this years Ham Radio meeting in Friedrichshafen again. R.I.P. my friend. 73 de Gary, DF2RG and 88 de Alveena, DE1AJS