June Franklin

June Franklin passed into Glory on Good Friday, April 18, 2025.  She was residing at Noel Manor in Verona, WI at the time of her death.

June was one of two children born to Ethel and Leopold Schmidt of Milwaukee, WI.  She had an older brother, William (Bill) Schmidt who served in the Navy in World War II and upon his return became a lifelong pastor.  Bill married Faith and together they had five children: Steven, Beth, Ethel, Ruth, and Billy (deceased), along with their families.

June grew up in Milwaukee, attended Washington High School, and enjoyed many wonderful summers at Bradford Beach.  As a young girl throughout her teens, she enjoyed a variety of dance classes and participated in local productions in which her mother Ethel, a talented seamstress, created her costumes.

June met and married Byron Franklin of Milwaukee and they moved to Madison, WI in the early 50’s. They went on to have four children – Robert, Lynette, James, and Larry.  Together they built a home in Meadowood on Madison’s newly developing far west side, which was rural farmland at the time, gravel roads, cows and all, much to their children’s delight.

June became secretary of the newly built Westgate Mall in the early 60’s, as well as working there in a variety of other capacities.  She was the Mall’s Marketing and Promotional Director for many, many years until she retired.

June was a lifelong volunteer.  She wasn’t one to remain idle and wasn’t shy about speaking her mind.  June’s children attended the new Orchard Ridge Elementary School in which she was steadily involved in one way or another.  She was a Cub Scout den mother, Brownie leader, Girl Scout leader, and Junior Great Books leader, among others.  She organized the most incredible and highly praised Easter egg hunt ever in the Orchard Ridge school forest.  She also enjoyed being an active member of the Jaycettes and the PTA.  When her children were very young, June was given the opportunity to buy stock membership in the new Ridgewood Pool.  For many years, the carefree, magical days spent at the Pool were the focal point of the Franklin family’s summers.  Lifelong friendships were forged and invaluable skills were discovered and developed.  June was considered a second mom to many of her children’s friends.

Eventually the marriage ended leaving June to raise her four young and pre-teen children entirely on her own.  It was an extremely challenging undertaking, especially at that time, but one that June embraced with grace and dignity, for which her children are most grateful.

June and a friend began what was known as Tea Room Modeling in Madison in the early 60’s.  She remained active in the world of fashion and enjoyed every aspect of it.  She was not only a model, but she orchestrated fashion shows from start to finish for some of the finest women’s clothing stores in the Madison area. She determined the apparel and the models, as well as created and delivered the commentary for the shows.  June did this locally and in surrounding cities and loved every minute.

June thoroughly enjoyed having a good time and loved to laugh.  She couldn’t say no to a fun or exciting ride at a festival or water park when her body allowed it.  She was a big dog lover, and always had one in her life while she could.  She was an enthusiastic tent camper and introduced her children to it at a very young age creating an appreciation for the wonders and beauty of the great outdoors which continues to this day.  June had the gift of hospitality and was a great cook!  She hosted numerous parties, and loved playing games of all kinds.  She especially liked to win! Her parties were often enjoyed by three to four generations simultaneously.

June came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and Lord in the early 80’s and became an active member of Memorial Baptist Church in Verona, WI.  She was always involved with various ministries throughout her many years at Memorial.  June spent many summers assisting with the Camp Jellystone Ministry in the Wisconsin Dells which she thoroughly enjoyed.  In her later years, she took a mission trip to Guatemala which she found deeply touching and extremely rewarding.

One organization that was especially dear to June’s heart was the Cancer Division of UW Hospital of which she served as a board member.  June always looked forward to and was heavily involved in the annual Love Lights promotion which was instrumental in raising funds for the completion of the Children’s Cancer Wing at UW Hospital.  She was passionate about the many benefits and uses of blood donations and gave numerous gallons herself through the years in addition to organizing countless blood drives.

June’s family sincerely appreciates the consistent love and care she received from selfless family members, like her son Larry who saw her constantly attending to her needs, and her loving friends.  For many years Larry was always there to help our mother out no matter what the issue or situation.  We cannot thank you enough!  Her trusted friend Carol, whom she called her angel on earth, went well above and beyond in making her last difficult years as pleasant, comfortable, and tolerable as possible.  June’s family is grateful and thankful for the services of Agrace and Noel Manor in Verona, WI where she lived out her final years.

June is survived by her four children: Bob (Susan) Franklin of Aurora, CO; Lynette (Steve) Lunstrum of Fort Collins, CO and their children James and Lorielle Lunstrum – June’s dear grandchildren; James Franklin of Cushing, OK; Larry (DeAnn) Franklin of Madison, WI; along with some cousins and nieces and nephews.

June will be greatly missed by her many friends and family, but they rejoice in knowing she is in eternity, relieved of her pain, with her Savior and Lord, experiencing joy unspeakable forevermore!

Please leave any thoughts or memories you have of June at www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Dr
608-845-6625