Michael Franklin passed away peacefully on April 14, 2020 at his home. Michael was born November 12, 1952 to Alice and Tony Franklin. He was a graduate of North St. Paul High School (class of 1971) and most recently a resident of Baldwin, Wisconsin.

He will be remembered for his wicked sense of humor, love of great music, classic movies, good food and long rides on his motorcycle when he could. Mike was a “renaissance man” and lived life on his terms, he was open to all the amazing and crazy shenanigans life had to offer and always found amusement in the ordinary. Mike was a guy who loved a good time. His quick wit, hearty laugh, charm and gentleness made him a friend to all who met him. He loved life and was fortunate to find good women to love it with him. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary de Leon-Denton.

Survived by his children, Sara (Byron) Blaine and Adam Franklin; step-daughters, Talia (Trent) Haun and Alyssa Denton; and step-sons, Nathan and Damian Denton; loving sister, Cheryl Franklin; nephews, Josh and Chance Zasada; beautiful grand babies, Teigan and Sydney Blaine; Zoey, Elijah and Josie Haun; his first wife, Mary Ellen Chinander; and his fat cat, Guy.

Preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Tony; sister, Kathleen; and second wife, Karen Franklin (Keating).

A special thank you for the loving care Mike received from the team at Mayo Eau Claire.

Mike lived life big, loud and sometimes messy. As one of his favorite quotes from The Big Lebowski so eloquently put it “I can’t be worrying about that sh*t, Life goes on, Man.” – The Dude

Indeed it does and its a better life for all of us who got to spend a little bit of it with Mike.

Memorial Services for Mike are being planned for a later date. For updated service information, please continue to check in with the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, via www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, or by phone at 715-684-3434. Memorials for Mike’s family may be mailed to O’Connell Family Funeral Home, Care of Michael Franklin Family, 1010 Newton St. Baldwin, WI 54002, to be forwarded on your behalf.