Ronald Raphael Franklin

Ronald Raphael Franklin

Central City

Ronald Raphael Franklin, 87, of Central City, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, April 14, 2023. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Central City, Iowa. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Central City with the Reverend Sean Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Clark Cemetery, Central City.

An Iowa native, Ronald was born on Nov. 2, 1935, in Monticello, the fourth of seven children to Howard and Irene (Crowley) Franklin. He enjoyed playing football during his years at Marion High School, where he graduated in 1954. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Army for two years, during which time he was stationed in Germany with his brother, Ray. Ron married Carol Ernst on Feb. 1, 1958, and together they had two sons, Michael and Gary. The couple were long-time devoted members of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Central City. He was also an active member of the American Legion. Ron worked at FMC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Linn County Roads Department, but farming was in his blood as it was in his father’s before him. After Carol passed away in 2003, Ron later married Lois I. Clark on Oct. 29, 2005.

Ron enjoyed rebuilding cars and playing golf, croquet and cornhole, and those who played with him better have brought their “A” game. He most especially enjoyed hosting family dinners. Ron will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Ron is survived by his wife, Lois; son, Michael Franklin of Alburnett, Iowa; stepchildren, Carmyn Clark of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chip Clark of Central City, Iowa, Betsy (Bill Lawrence) of Elk River, Minn., and Dale Clark of Spring Valley, Minn.; two grandsons, Dustin (Jessica) Franklin of San Antonio, Texas, and Justin Franklin of Alburnett, Iowa; great-grandchildren, James, Melody, Emma and Aubrey Franklin; 11 stepgrandchildren; 15 stepgreat-grandchildren; brother, Raymond Franklin of Amana, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Karen (Franklin), Carmen Franklin and Janet Franklin; brother-in-law, Earl (JoAnne) Ernst; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Irene Franklin; wife, Carol Franklin; son, Gary Franklin; brothers, Loras, Donald, Harlan and Richard (Barb) Franklin; sister, Lorraine (Leo) Takes; brother-in-law, Joseph Ernst; and sisters-in-law, Barb Franklin, Eileen (Dean) Wayson and Mary (Ivan) Struzynski.

Ronald held a special place in his heart for children, so in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital, or the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The Franklin family would like to extend a special thank-you to Denise Conley for her loving care during Ron’s final days; as well as to local hospice providers.

Please share a memory of Ronald at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.