Irving L. Franklin, 79, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 28, 2018 after a tough battle with cancer. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at the Bridgeport Church of Christ with Pastor Jonathan Seng officiating. Inurnment will follow at Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Regional West Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com
Irving was the youngest son of Wayne and Freda Franklin born on the family farm east of Bridgeport on November 18, 1938. He attended Town 6 School in Northport and graduated from Bridgeport High School with the Class of 1957. He was united in marriage to Emma “Beth” Stuart on April 13, 1960. To this union three children were born: Gail, Ron, and Mike.
Irving worked various jobs throughout the years: Safeway, Morrill County Department of Roads, Bridgeport School Bus Driver, Gary’s Implement and farmed until ill health forced him to retire.
Irving was a member of the Morrill County Farm Bureau, the Bridgeport Rural Fire Department, and the Bridgeport Eagles Lodge. He enjoyed fishing with his sons, grandsons, and two great-grandkids. He enjoyed pulling his 720 John Deere in antique tractor pulls. He also enjoyed demolition derbies and bowling. He was always up for a good game of poker.
Irving is survived by his wife Beth; daughter Gail Berry of Bridgeport; sons and daughters-in-law Ron and Tippi Franklin and Mike and Tami Franklin all of Bridgeport; grandchildren Tonya (Desmond) Heimbouch of Mitchell, NE, Cody and Tyler Franklin of Bridgeport, and Kyle Franklin of Anchorage, Alaska; great-grandkids Meiah and Taven Heimbouch of Mitchell; nieces; nephews; and extended family.
Irving was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Freda, step-father C.A. “Swede” Middleswart, and brother and sister-in-law Walter and Helen Franklin.
