Charles "Charlie" Franklin, 70, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the New Ulm Medical Center, surrounded by close family. Charlie was born July 5, 1948 to Leon and Irene (Schuchard) Franklin in St. Paul Park, Minnesota, the youngest of three children.  He graduated from Saint Paul Park High School in 1966.

Charlie served in the U.S. Air Force as a crew chief mechanic from 1966-1970. He met his wife Michelle Arndt of 33 years in St. Paul Park, and they were married on July 6, 1985 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Springfield.

Charlie worked in a variety of jobs throughout his lifetime, always surrounding himself with people. Once he moved to New Ulm, he began his lifetime of careers at Industrial Air. Later, he became a Local bar owner of, "The Getaway" for 10 years. Following The Getaway, he sold tools for a short time through 5-Star Shop Service, then worked with a younger generation as a 24-hour daycare provider for 5 years. In 2003, he started driving semi-truck locally, and later drove over the road. After he retired from trucking, he worked for MBW in New Ulm until December of 2018.

Apart from his work, Charlie enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed family time watching movies, playing pool and dice, going fishing, and enjoying social hour with friends of all walks of life. Charlie lived a lifetime of joy and laughter, always taking time to build relationships and make meaningful conversation. He had the brightest smile even on his darkest days, and used his impeccable sarcasm to brighten up those around him.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Michelle of New Ulm; a daughter, Brittany (Adam) Boyum of New Ulm; sons, Kerry Franklin of Wisconsin and Jeffery (Autumn) Franklin of Colorado; grandchildren, Logan and Ava Boyum, Breanna (Rydell) Raile; his sisters, Karwyn (Oscar) Schiller and Jan Thibedeau of Wisconsin, and by his great grandson Sebastian Raile. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Eric Moe.

Funeral service will be 11 AM Friday, January 18, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm with Pastor Tim Anderson officiating. Military honors will be provided at the church by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

Visitation will be 4 – 7 PM Thursday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home SOUTH CHAPEL in New Ulm and will continue for one hour prior to the time of service at church on Friday.