Raymond Edward Franklin, 02 Jun 1937 - 22 Mar 2025

FRANKLIN, CROWLEY, MARTIN, HAMMOND, CLEFISCH, SWANSON, JOHANNSEN, TAKES

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 3/26/2025 at 15:23:40

Raymond Edward Franklin, 87, of Amana, Iowa, formerly of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Colonial Manor in Amana. A Rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion, Iowa; visitation will follow from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (995 5th Ave, Marion, IA 52302). Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with military honors.

Raymond was born on June 2, 1937, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Howard and Irene (Crowley) Franklin. He was a graduate of Marion High School where he excelled at football. Raymond went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army in Germany during the Vietnam War. On May 6, 1961, Raymond was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Martin in Omaha, Nebraska. For many years, he owned and operated his auto repair business, Franklin Auto Repair, in Marion before his retirement in 1990. Raymond was a kind-hearted person who genuinely cared for others. He played an active role in Marion city politics and elderly affordable housing, contributing to the construction of Hilltop Manor during his presidency. A dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, he was also involved with Right to Life. He had a deep passion for fishing and the outdoors, and he especially treasured family game nights, valuing the quality time spent with his loved ones.

Raymond is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughters, Deb (Lonnie) Hammond of Dysart, Iowa, MaryLou Clefisch (Kevin Swanson) of Middle Amana, Iowa, and Sheryl (Dan) Johannsen of Center Point, Iowa; son, Russ (Julie) Franklin of Dubuque, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; spouse, Barbara Franklin; five brothers, Loras, Richard, Donald, Harlan, and Ronald Franklin; and sister, Lorraine Takes.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Colonial Manor for providing exceptional care to Ray.

Memorials in Raymond’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Colonial Manor, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Published in The Gazette on March 26, 2025.