Ralph Franklin

TRAVERSE CITY — Ralph Wesley Franklin, 94, of Traverse City and formerly of Warren, passed away Saturday, July 17, 2010, at his home on Old Mission Peninsula.Ralph was born on May 5, 1916, to the late Edmond and Lillie (Irish) Franklin in Traverse City. At a young age Ralph moved downstate, where he was raised and attended school, graduating from Cooley High School in Detroit.Ralph answered the call of duty serving with the United States Army during World War II. He remained proud of his service to country and was a member of the American Legion Post on Old Mission.On Jan. 7, 1939, Ralph entered into marriage with the former Mabel Gallagher. They were married 47 years until her passing on March 3, 1986.Ralph made his living as a plumber, spanning a long career over 40 years, retiring in 1978. Ralph maintained his membership for 70 years in the local Plumbers Union #98. In 1971 while still hard at work, Ralph made the decision to start work on a home, returning to his roots in Traverse City. Ralph finished building his home on Old Mission, moving there permanently in 1987. Ralph was not one to sit idle, enjoying time hiking, bicycling, skiing and snowshoeing all over the area and many of the trails on Old Mission. Ralph loved to hunt and fish, a tradition established by his father after many trips to Drummond Island as a family. Ralph was a good father and will be missed by a caring family and as a respected figure by many within the community.Ralph is survived by his son, Donald (Annette Kowalewski) Franklin of Sterling Heights; two daughters, Marlene K. Thurman and Karen (Richard) Wenzel, all of Traverse City; eight grandchildren, Debra (Charles) Dobbs, Steven (Diane) Thurman, Kim (Jim) Young, Christopher Wenzel, Craig (Heather) Wenzel, Melissa Noble, Kyle Franklin and Dana (Scott) Sheets; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends.Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel; his parents; three brothers, Cecil, Lester and Howard Franklin; and two sisters, Myrtle Etzcorn, Eula Zeits.Private family services were held. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion Post #0399 - Old Mission; The American Cancer Society; or Munson Hospice. Please share thought's with the family at Ralph's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.