Philip Franklin

Our beloved father, husband, papa and uncle, Philip Lane Franklin, was born on February 21, 1946, to his loving parents, Wilbur and Ida (Lappi) Franklin in Sandstone, MN. Phil grew up in Finlayson, MN where he helped with the family farm throughout his childhood and most of his adolescence. 

Phil was a hardworking man his entire life, possessing an entrepreneurial spirit with his milk hauling business at the age of 16 and later in life his scrapping business, “Franklin Scrap Service.” He was also a certified welder, truck driver and worked many years in construction. 

At heart, Phil was a “motor head” and probably forgot more about classic cars and engines than most people could learn in a lifetime. One of his “superpowers” was that he could fix all things mechanical and could fabricate anything out of seemingly thin air using his know how skills, rich imagination and personal experiences. 

Phil was a man of few words but when spoken, his words were always thoughtful, direct and as good as gold. Phil was known by many as a kind and decent man who never hesitated to help those in need while his friendships tended to be lifelong because of his sense of loyalty to all those who knew him.

Phil loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his later years, he preferred watching wildlife over hunting, although he always appreciated a good hunting or fishing story. He enjoyed the simple things in life like being in the company of friends and family, listening to music (singing along to the oldies), watching a good western and he even had a knack for poetry. He loved animals and had a special love for his dog, Lewis, and a deep connection with his cat, Ms. Kitty (“Kee”). 

Family was the most important to him. Phil is survived by his wife, Bonnie; the children he shared with Cathy; Keven (Sandy); Tammy (Barry); Waylon (Julie); Terry (Michael); Tracy; Justin (Allen); his stepchildren; Tammy (Rodney); Ed (Diane); Ron (Jenny); Brenda (Chad); Ray (Jessica). Phil was blessed with and loved his 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; and a very special longtime friend, Al Versackets; many other family members and dear friends.

Phil fought bravely without complaint against a terrible illness and had endured much. On January 14, 2025, in Appleton, MN, God decided that he should rest and recalled him home to be amongst his angels. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Ida Franklin; his sister, Anita Collins; his brother, Dale Franklin; his stepson, “Junior” Trager; his daughter in law, Sandy Franklin; and step great grandson, Jax Jaenisch. 

We will miss him very much.