Bruce Wayne Franklin

Bruce Wayne Franklin was born August 12, 1955, in Kentucky to Sherrill and Charlotte Franklin. He graduated from Martin County High School and then went on to Indian River Community College in Florida to learn Auto Mechanics. Bruce worked several years as an Auto Mechanic in Florida, during that time perfecting his skills as a mechanic. Bruce went on to work many different occupations over his full life, including tow truck operator, construction worker, warehouse foreman, truck driver and always found time to sell and or trade items in his spare time. 

In 1981, he met Leda Jaster while taking a break from driving tow truck to have a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop. Leda was working there at that time and got to know Bruce as she took breaks from baking in the kitchen. She recently shared that when she first saw him, she said “I’m gonna marry that man.” Bruce and Leda were married on December 22, 1985, in Palm City, Florida. They spent many years traveling while Bruce worked construction jobs, eventually settling in Callaway, MN. They just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary where he was able to celebrate holy communion with his wife and Pastor Matt Meyer. They finished the day with a great meal, celebrating their years together with company of their cat “Hollywood.” 

Bruce loved his wife, family, and spending time with nieces and nephews. He especially loved to go to his nephews, Wesley, Ben and Henry’s sports games and school events and always was there to cheer them on. In the last few years, he spent time on his pontoon on Long Lake, with the love of his life Leda, fishing and enjoying the water.  

Bruce was a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Callaway, MN where he had been an active member serving as a trustee and elder until his health began to diminish. Bruce had great faith and trust in the Lord, always seeking to be a friend to those who needed one. 

He is survived by his wife Leda Franklin; sister, Marsha (Terry) of Virginia; sister-in-law, Vicky of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Brother-in-law Matthew Jaster, of Lake Park, Kyle Jaster (Tina) of Detroit Lakes; Sister-in-laws DeeAnna Brockway, Callaway and Anita Coons (Bruce) of Eau Claire, WI. And Nephews; Gary (Ashley) Franklin, Kyle (Sarah), and Eric (Chantelle) Johnson, Matthew Jaster II (Sarah), Wesley (Shae), Benjamin (Valla) and Henry Jaster, Dayton Coons (Brianna) and Nieces, Janie (Shaun), Kathy (John), Angie (Kelvin), and Lori (Logan)Franklin, Stephanie Johnson, and Ciera Coons (Jacob). And several great nieces and nephews, including the latest great niece, Jane Elizabeth Jaster, born on December 22, 2024, the same day they celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary, which gave Bruce great joy. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherrill and Charlotte Franklin, of Okeechobee, FL; sister; Kathy Franklin and brother: Gary Franklin of Port St. Lucie, FL. 

Special thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley for their compassion and care given.