Kevin Jay Franklin

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Franklin, Kevin Jay of St. Paul, beloved husband, father, son, brother and uncle, passed away on September 11, 2017, at the age of 55. Kevin grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota, where he graduated from Kennedy High School in 1980. He was a proud graduate of the University of St. Thomas, where he received his bachelor's degree (1985) and MBA degree (1994). Kevin was a Senior Marketing Director at Smiths Medical. Kevin leaves his best friend and devoted wife of 21 years, Sarah Ott Franklin, his daughters Eleanor and Isabella, and his son McDermott. Kevin's family meant everything to him. His children were the light of his life and are his greatest legacy. Kevin was well-loved and respected by his family and colleagues and always welcomed a large circle of friends. In addition to his wife and children, Kevin is survived by his father Jay Franklin of Edina, his sisters Elizabeth Franklin (John Schumacher) of Edina and Teresa Franklin, and his brother Christopher Franklin, both of Bloomington. Kevin was welcomed into heaven by his mother Mary Ester Franklin, his grandparents Howard and Marcella Johnson and Glenn and Bea Franklin, and his father-in-law Dr. Roger Ott, Sr. Kevin was considered a brother by Sarah's seven siblings and their spouses and was a special uncle to 27 nieces and nephews. Kevin will be remembered for his selfless devotion to his family, his humility and his strong faith. He was an active and longtime volunteer at Lumen Christi Catholic Community in St. Paul, most recently serving as a Parish Trustee. He was a voracious reader and an avid sports enthusiast who loved to share statistics on his favorite teams. He was a devoted St. Thomas sports fan, holding season tickets for both football and basketball. Kevin loved adventure and took great pride in meticulously planning the infamous Franklin family vacations. He taught his family the lesson that the journey is more important than the destination. Kevin had a keen intellect and a strong work ethic. He reminded his children daily that they could be satisfied if they did their best in all of their endeavors. Kevin's indomitable spirit in the face of his illness set an inspiring example of faith, strength and courage for all who witnessed his journey of the past two years. Kevin's life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Lumen Christi Catholic Community (2055 Bohland Avenue, St. Paul MN 55116). Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., also at Lumen Christi. Kevin's children have requested that friends and family consider sharing a favorite story or memory of their dad beginning at 7:00 p.m. Private interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Kevin requested that memorials be given to the Franklin Children Benefit Account, to assist with educational expenses. Contributions may be given to Sarah or mailed to 2038 Ford Parkway, Box #407, St. Paul MN 55116.

Published on September 15, 2017