Kirk Franklin

​Kirk Steven Franklin passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024 in Lansing Michigan at the age of 60. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. Kirk battled several different illnesses in the last several years of his life, including dementia, cancer and a paraneoplastic syndrome that eventually called him home to be with the Lord. He joins in heaven his family that preceded him in death including his mother Violet, his father Wilbur, his brother Jerry and his beloved “Grampy”. He leaves behind his family, Cathy Franklin, his two daughters Ashlyn Brand and Rachel Gramm, and their spouses Elijah Brand and Caleb Gramm, as well as his grandson Josiah Gramm. He was a good father, and loved his children more than anything in the world. He is missed immensely by them. He also leaves behind numerous siblings, cousins, family and friends that will miss him dearly.

People who knew him would describe him as many things including loving, caring, a goofball and so much more. He had a servants heart, and was kind to his core. He always filled the room with laughter when he was around. He was a “shock value” kind of jokester and even through the past few years battling illness, he retained his humor. Born in Denver Colorodo on December 29, 1963, he called himself a “Colorodo Cowboy” and had a love for skiing, mountains, horses, and all that came with being in the Rocky Mountains. He was a violinist, guitarist, singer and music enthusiast. In high school, he participated in orchestra and a traveling concert choir where he received numerous recognitions and awards for his performance.

He received his Bachelors in Accountancy at Colorado State University and continued his education at Grand Valley State University for his Masters in Accountancy. In his career he worked as a Senior Director of Global Tax in Emerging Markets and was one of the top specialists in his field. He traveled the world for work, making him an experienced world traveler.

The celebration of life service will be held at Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids Michigan on Monday, April 8. Visitation will begin at 10 AM, and the service will begin at 11 AM followed by a luncheon. If you would like to send flowers, or anything of the sort to the family, please contact Ashlyn Brand for details at ashlynsbrand23@gmail.com, or by phone if you have her number.