Wayne E Franklin

October 12, 1933 - June 1, 2020

Wayne E. Franklin, 86, of Grand Island passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at CHI-Health St. Francis. An opportunity to sign the guest book will be available from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Due to COVID- 19 the family will not be present. A private family service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday with public livestreaming on the All Faiths Funeral Home Facebook. Public burial of ashes will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at the Grand Island City Cemetery with military honors rendered by the U.S. Navy and Veteran’s Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the family. Wayne was born on October 12, 1933 at Shellsburg, IA, son of John and Esther (Baum) Franklin. Wayne graduated from high school in Brandon, IA. He entered the United States Navy in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He served for two years on the U.S.S. Columbus and was later stationed at the Naval Base in Boston, MA. On October 27, 1957 he was united in marriage to Berta Canterbury in Somerville, MA. Following their marriage, they made their home in Cedar Rapids, IA. In 1960, they relocated to Grand Island. He was employed by Rainbo Bread Company as Plant Superintendent. Wayne was a lifetime member of the VFW and the Platte Duetsche. Wayne was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed attending auctions and traveling to Navy reunions. He had a lifelong passion for riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and rode until he was 80. He is survived by his son, Randy (Deb) Franklin of Grand Island; daughter, Tami (Jay) Harders of Alda; grandchildren, Danielle (Kyle) Merithew and Ashley (Tim) Dvorak; great grandchildren, Addison and Ryker Merithew; brother, Jack (Eleanor) Franklin of Sydney, MT; sister Carol Lutz of Vinton, IA; special friend, Marlene Spires of Central City; numerous extended family and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Berta; son, Kevin Franklin; brother Vaughn Franklin and brother- in-law, Bob Lutz.