Martin David Franklin, age 67, passed away in Manhattan, Kansas, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House on February 13, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. Martin was born on March 21, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married Kristine Louise Brozovich on February 12, 1983, in Fort Collins, CO. They were married for 40 years.
Marty was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Marty graduated from Colorado State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and 2008 earned a Master of Science in Education TESOL from Shenandoah University. He and his wife served as missionaries in Latin America for three years before moving to Hibbing, Minnesota, where they raised their family. Marty spent his career working at Hibbing High School as a Spanish teacher. During his time in Hibbing, Marty was also involved in his church community at Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he taught various RCIA, Catechism, and Scripture classes, as well as leading a Latin Chant Schola. Marty retired from his teaching career in 2020. In 2021 he and his wife moved to Kansas to be near family.
Marty was an accomplished guitarist and musician. He was also an avid recreational arborist (tree climber), well-known by various state park rangers for climbing the tallest trees. Marty could often be found outdoors, happily cultivating many native plants. He also had a lifetime passion for studying philosophy, metaphysics, and the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Marty is survived by his children, Kelly (Jessica) Franklin of Hillsdale, Michigan, and Jody (Devin) Weis of Wamego, Kansas; grandchildren Gianna and Guadalupe Franklin, and Andrew and Clara Weis; siblings Judy (James) Hartley, J. Scott (Cindy) Franklin, Robert Franklin; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Kristine Brozovich Franklin; his parents, Walter Byron Franklin Jr. and Nancy Lee Franklin; and his brother, Walter “Skip” Byron Franklin, III.
Marty was a gentle but persevering soul and will be greatly missed. We entrust him to the Living God.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at St. Bernard Catholic Church. A rosary prayer service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to Unbound at or Good Shepherd Hospice House or can be left in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.