Robert Dennis Franklin

Robert “Bob” Franklin, 77, of Allouez, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, after a long illness. Bob was born on August 1, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, IA, to Clifford and Thelda (Sharp) Franklin and grew up in Marion, Iowa.

Shortly after graduating from Marion High School in 1966, Bob attended Iowa State University until going into the Air Force in 1968 where he spent 3 years serving in Japan as an intercept specialist, attained the rank of Sergeant, and returned to Iowa State in 1972.

In 1974 he moved to Kewaunee, WI, and worked at Hamachek Machine Company while earning a degree from DeVry Institute. After moving to Green Bay in 1979, he worked at various companies where he had a reputation for being able to solve any problem and entertained coworkers with his sense of humor. He worked at TEC Systems in De Pere and then CPR, MCL, back to MEGTEC (formerly TEC Systems) and then Tech4. While working he had the opportunity to travel for his work to France, England, Mexico and other locations. He then retired to pursue his hobby and co-founded the House of Homebrew.

Bob had an impressive ability to fix anything and enjoyed a challenge, even fashioning an exit ramp for the ducklings that took up residence in his backyard pool. He loved music, taking up the guitar at a very young age and playing it throughout his lifetime. His favorite songs were by Peter, Paul & Mary and Simon and Garfunkel, especially “The Sound of Silence”. He also enjoyed driving a good car and had an interesting collection over the years.

Bob is survived by his partner of 46 years, Sally Berner, his two children, Jeff Franklin of Boulder, CO, and Dr. Bryan Franklin & partner, Dr. Alexandria Guth of Houghton, MI and his ex-wife and mother of his children, LeAnna Franklin. He is also survived by two sisters, Barbara (Dale) Lenz and Marilyn Rambo, nieces and nephews and his Golden Retriever, Rose.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Rev. Dr. Ronald Franklin.

Bob was loved by all who knew him and will always be remembered for his intelligence, love of music, being a master of puns, plays on words, quick wit and an amazing ability to fix anything. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of a service, a Celebration of Bob’s Life for family and friends will be held at a later date.