Im not sure I understand why we do this. I met R.Franz after i left JWs and meeting him was a nice experience. It was a kind of turning point in my life and I guess his books helped put the final nail in the coffin of my departure from JWs. A very nice meek mild mannered guy. But do we say that we are praying for him in the sense that we HOPE someone is watching from heaven and is ready to embrace his arrival into heaven? Or, are we saying we pray for him in the sense that theres nothing better to say at this difficult time so it just sounds good and apprpriate? Instead of saying we pray for him what would be the right thing to say of someone about to leave this life? Since we dont know what happens at death it would seem that praying is very confusing and the act of praying ITSELF offers a sort of blind comfort to only those about to suffer a loss.
Far from being insensitive to R. Franzs sufferings, and those who knew him well, I would say that I am very glad to have met him. I hope that he has lived a happy life and was satisfied with it. He affected a lot of ppl to think for themselves and he should be proud of his achievements. However since there is nothing we can do to prevent aging and death why pray?