For those formerly associated with the Ford of Europe Systems Office, or its successor organisations.
For those formerly associated with the Ford of Europe Systems Office, or its successor organisations.
Franz Obladen, who died in July 2025, was born in 1941. Many years later, after securing a master's degree he joined Ford Germany. He began his Systems Office career in 1968 and held a variety of management positions, alternating between systems development and data processing.
Oskar Scheit charts his progress:
Franz & Oskar at Mosel vineyards in 2004
“ In 1974 Franz was appointed supervisor in the Cologne data centre, then in 1976 he took a foreign service assignment as systems supervisor in Bordeaux. He then spent several months in Valencia followed by a period back at the Cologne data centre. Next, he moved to Dealership Systems followed by another assignment, as the Ford systems manager coordinating the Volkswagen joint venture in Setubal, Portugal, where the early Ford Galaxy was assembled.”
Reinhardt Bertuleit's message to former colleagues:
“ It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague and friend Franz Obladen, at the age of 84. After a prolonged period of gradual decline, he passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side.
Franz was known throughout his career for his positive attidude and collegial spirit. After retiring, he remained actively engaged, playing a key role in fostering connections between German and other European colleagues.
Franz makes his point to Graham Gooding at Ivy Hill in 2004
He played an important role in the organisation of memorable gatherings in cities such as Barcelona, Brüges and Freiburg — events that brought people together and strengthened cross-border friendships. We will always remember Franz as a valued colleague and friend.”
Klemens Unkel remembers working with Franz in their early days:
“ With tears in my eyes, very personal memories come to my mind from the late sixties and early seventies, when I worked as a student and freelancer for the Systems Office.
Young Franz really impressed me as a leading systems analyst. He never liked programming, but got me to understand the importance of building strong and reliable relationships with our customers, within the project team and in the data centre.
Later as a manager he used his connections to obtain the few available Capri RS coupes as lease cars for his colleagues. He made long business trips in one car that allowed me to buy it from the company at high mileage and low price that I (at Grade 7) could just about afford.
Franz was always ready to come up with special help, not only in his job, but for friends and collegues, expecting no more than a smile or thank you. We must not forget him.”
Franz and Reg Thompson worked together for six years:
Reg recalls Franz’s final position before he retired in 2002. Franz was manager of the Cologne Data Centre,
part of Computer & Data Processing Operations (C&DPO) for Europe that Reg managed.
They worked together until Reg retired in 1996. His recollections mainly cover this period.
“ Franz was a dedicated non-believer in the ’do nothing’ option and operated at full throttle both literally and figuratively. Franz was a fast but good driver. He drove both of us from Cologne to Munich for a meeting which was important for reasons I‘ve forgotten but I’ve a vivid memory of the drive. Round number speed targets mean that 100kph is relatively sedate but approaching 200kph is definitely not sedate. So terror was interspersed with relief when we hit speed restriction areas. Even though he was a good driver I remember Franz did have an accident—in a British supermarket car park where he managed to incapacitate his car. The cause remains a mystery.
Franz with Elsa & Reg Thompson enjoy Berlin hospitality in 2008
Franz’s 1970s assignment as systems supervisor in Bordeaux, must have been, in extra-curricular terms, his favourite . On completion he had a splendid collection of reds which, on returning to Cologne, he generously shared with his dinner party guests.
Franz’s bonhomie was observed by Amdahl (a 1975-90s IBM compatible mainframe supplier) and they asked Franz to be the customer representative on their User Conference Committee. He was eminently suitable for this task, which included choosing locations and sustenance—so it was no surprise when we finished up in the south of France one year.
I was reviewing work with Franz in Cologne one Friday afternoon when I realised, too late, that I was booked on the early flight back. ‘I’ll call Bill Hayden and get you on the late flight’ said Franz in his usual confident way. Those who knew Bill Hayden will understand why I politely declined that offer and took my chance at the late flight check-in.
We had regular off-site European C&DPO reviews—normally in a local non-controversial anonymous hotel. Spurning the mundane, Franz, tasked with organising a meeting in Cologne, arranged it at a nearby castle, insisting that he had negotiated a deal cheaper then the alternative non-descript.
Franz: a fine host
Characters like Franz are not forgotten. At a recent Systems retirees lunch we reminisced about Franz. Invariably our recollections generated smiles. Not a bad way to be remembered.”