Charles "Chuck" Curtis Franklin

Charles Curtis “Chuck” Franklin, 94, of Palm Desert, California, passed away peacefully in the home of his son and daughter in law on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Chuck was born March 16, 1932, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to William Riley Franklin and Lilian Jones. Chuck grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1950.

Chuck proudly served in the United States Navy from 1951–1955 participating in the Korean conflict. He served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class- an experience that shaped his lifelong love of engineering, precision, and problem‑solving. He was honorably discharged in 1955 as a petty officer 2nd class. His service provided the means to further his education.

Chuck earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1964. In 1982, Chuck earned his MBA from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, further expanding his leadership and business expertise. He obtained the title of a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin. He was employed by Red Jacket Manufacturing for 21 years, working his way from draftsman to President. With the financial backing of Franklin Electric of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Chuck founded FE Petro, a product manufacturer to the Petroleum Equipment Industry (PEI). Chuck worked with FE Petro for 10 years. FE Petro, located in McFarland, WI later became part of Franklin Fueling Systems, a company whose innovations continue to influence the industry today.

Chuck was a member of McFarland Lutheran Church. Chuck was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin since December of 1959. He became a Shriner in November of 1966. During his McFarland days, he played clarinet with the Madison New Horizon’s Band.

During his time at Red Jacket, he met and married Sandra S. Smith in Monmouth, Illinois on June 17, 1967, becoming the father of two sons: Bevin Franklin and Brian Franklin. During Chuck and Sandy’s marriage, they lived in multiple locations: Davenport, IA, Long Grove, IA; and Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Chuck and Sandy purchased a cottage on Lake Waubesa in McFarland where they and their children made memories camping, fishing, boating, waterskiing, tubing. They enjoyed family vacations, traveling throughout Colorado, Wisconsin, and Canada. In retirement, Chuck and Sandy traveled extensively and wintered in Mission, Texas.

In 2012, Chuck moved to Palm Desert, California, where he found a vibrant community of friends and consistently warm weather. He enjoyed entertaining, wine-tasting events, playing clarinet, and staying active with golf, swimming, and later billiards. Ever curious, last year he taught himself to sew on a Singer sewing machine. Those close to him knew how his eyes lit up when he described his love for anything that had bells and whistles. While golf remained an interest, in recent months, Chuck took an interest in Major League Baseball-especially the Yankees. He loved classical music, and in his last days, frequently requested to listen to Tchaikovsky while he rested.

Chuck was preceded in death by son, Brian A. (Debbie) Franklin, his parents, sisters Winnie (Jim) Pond and May Ruth O’Dell both of Phoenix, AZ, and brother Wm. Riley (Jocelyn) Franklin II of Amherst, MA; sister-in-law Beverly (Jim) Smith.

Chuck is survived by his son Bevin (Gina) Franklin of Centralia, Missouri; his former spouse of 44 years and lifelong friend Sandra Franklin of McFarland, Wisconsin; grandchildren- Taylor Lynn (Dayanara) Franklin of Madison, Hunter Alec Franklin and Spencer Charles “Charlie” Franklin of Brodhead, WI, Lindsay (Bill) Clements of Oregon, WI, and Melissa (Dave) Huston of Stoughton, WI, Jordan Cooper, Centralia, MO, Madison (James) Sturrock, Centralia, MO. One great‑granddaughter Ivalee Sturrock who brought a full, unmistakable smile to his face every time he saw her. One great grandson, James Callahan Sturrock arriving just days after Chuck’s passing; and many nieces and nephews.

Chuck’s legacy is defined by the impact he had as a kind, generous man, a devoted provider, husband, father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, friend, and mentor. Chuck never knew a stranger. And if you ever spoke with him on the phone, you likely heard his signature line: “My day is much better now that I am talking to you.” His warmth and sincerity left an imprint on everyone he met. How great it is to know that our lives were better for knowing and loving Chuck.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday July 23, 2026 at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Rd. McFarland with Rev. Peter Erickson presiding. Burial will follow in Lower McFarland Cemetery. A luncheon will immediately follow the burial in the church. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the service at the church on Thursday.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5801 Highway 51, P.O. Box 105, McFarland

(608) 838-0655

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com