DeAnn King Franklin

DeAnn (Dede) King Franklin passed into the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ in her home with her husband Larry of 39 years at her side. She died as a result of cancer and Alzheimer’s on September 3rd, 2025. DeAnn liked to say she was born in Portage WI, because Pardeeville did not have a hospital. Dede was born to Robert G. King and Lois Ann Edwards on January 29th, 1959. They moved to Madison shortly thereafter, where DeAnn attended Odana Elementary School and then Orchard Ridge Elementary School. She met her future husband Larry Franklin for the first time in Mrs. Jenkins’ 3rd grade class. DeAnn graduated from James Madison Memorial High School and then went on to graduate with high honors from Madison Area Technical College (MATC) in Police Science. An incident that DeAnn witnessed at a July 4th Warner Park celebration changed her mind about pursuing a career in police work. DeAnn never saw Larry again after that 3rd grade class together until 15 years later. They reconnected at the wedding of her sister Barb’s best friend, Patti Fox, on Valentines Day 1981. The meeting was special, and they talked for the entire reception like they were already close friends. The two of them dated regularly from that day on, until Larry left for Deep Sea Technical Dive School in Seattle that November. In February, DeAnn flew out to Seattle and stayed with Larry until his graduation. They then took an incredible 4000 mile road trip back home to Madison, driving Hwy 1 to San Francisco. They were greatly disappointed that Yosemite was snowed in. They continued on for the first of 5 or 6 trips to the Grand Canyon, and then on to their favorite place Yellowstone. They had a deal that anytime they were within 200 miles of Yellowstone they had to go visit, which ended up being 7 or 8 times. They crisscrossed the USA dozens of times hitting 49 of the 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. The only time they flew was when an ocean was in their way, or time was of the essence. Boston and DC were fine, but they would much rather be in Utah visiting the natural wonders, than being in a city. Early on DeAnn and Larry lived and worked in Panama City Beach and Lynn Haven, Florida. DeAnn was selling souvenirs and Larry was running a go kart track on the strip. It was a blast! Finally, Larry got the diving job he was looking for and they moved to Houma, Louisiana, 50 miles southwest of New Orleans. DeAnn took a job as the manager of a jewelry store at the mall in Houma, while living on the other side of the Intracoastal Waterway drawbridge, down the bayou. DeAnn’s managerial expertise resulted in her store being #1 in sales, well ahead of all the other stores in a 6 state region. DeAnn was the peacemaker between the Cajun ladies she had working for her at the jewelry store. When she found out one of the girls had never been outside the city of Houma, DeAnn took Darlene Boudreaux and her boyfriend to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve celebration in New Orleans. DeAnn did her best to let these women know there was a great big world outside of Louisiana. Some of the ladies kept in touch with her even after DeAnn moved back to Wisconsin. As a young woman, DeAnn was left to fend for herself in Cajun country, while Larry was working offshore 4 to 5 weeks at a time. Dede contended with snakes in the bathtub, and on her front porch, termites in the walls, and anoles running all over the place, including inside the house. She also dealt with a bunch of crazy Coonasses (an extremely controversial term) that lived next door, which is what they called themselves, with hats to prove it. DeAnn took it all in stride. She became quite the “markswomen” with a shotgun and a 22. In late 1985 Larry unceremoniously popped the question, and Dede said YES! It was just natural when they moved back to Madison to be married on Valentines Day 1986; exactly 5 years after they reconnected at the wedding reception. DeAnn worked at Rayovac for a number of years and then at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) as an administrative assistant, before moving up to the role of executive assistant. After 16 years at IVCF, DeAnn went on to become the church secretary at New Hope Evangelical Free Church in Mt Horeb. One of DeAnn and Larry’s greatest joys was the raising of 8 wonderful dogs, which they dearly loved. DeAnn was an inquisitive, intelligent lady who never stopped learning and earning certificates in diverse areas and subjects. These included the Moody Bible Institute, to dozens of work related courses, many aspects of computer programming, to editing and more. DeAnn was also very charitable and philanthropic, giving of her time and treasure. The hardest part was trying to limit the number of organizations she wanted to support. These included Wounded Warriors Project, CareNet, St. Judes, Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue, Ronald McDonald House, Food for the Poor, and ministries too numerous to mention. DeAnn was never one to stand on formality. If no one else had the courage to speak up, DeAnn did. At least one of her bosses loved her boldness, the less secure not so much. Finally, after 21 years of Larry’s cajoling, DeAnn agreed to learn how to scuba dive. Her only condition was that her checkout certification dive had to be in the Caribbean, and not Devil’s Lake. Larry quickly lined up a personal scuba instructor for DeAnn, for one on one instruction with Larry always by her side. At the same time her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Susan Franklin, were also taking scuba lessons in Colorado. So all 3 were certified in Cozumel, Mexico where they made 10 dives and then another Cozumel vacation for 10 more dives. Dede also dove in the Keys and swam with the manatees in Crystal River, Florida. This was quite a feat for someone who was basically afraid of the water after a near drowning incident as a small child. DeAnn loved the experience of the outdoors, as long as Larry was along for the ride. Some of her favorites included intimate secluded hot springs in the mountains, to swim-throughs on Palancar Reef off the southwest coast of Cozumel. She thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the wonders of God’s creation. DeAnn totally loved sharing 44 years together with Larry her husband, and best friend. Knowing they will see each other again on the other side made the end of this earthly life more tolerable. Her friends and family thought she was a hoot, witty, funny and just plain fun to be around. Dede was dearly loved and will be greatly missed!

 DeAnn is survived by her beloved husband, Larry J. Franklin of Madison, WI. Her brother Bob King (Bev) of Verona, WI, her nephew Brian King (Carrie) of Arizona, niece Ashley (Gary) Kisiscki of Colorado, grand nieces Belinda, Madeline, and Evelyn of Colorado. Her sister Barb (King) Watts of Verona, WI, nephew Jamie King of California. Her brother Dave King of Monroe, WI, nephew Richard King of Monroe, WI, grand niece Jasmine King of New York. Also survived by Bob Franklin (Susan) of Colorado, Lynette Franklin Lunstrum (Steve) of Colorado, nephew and niece James and Lorielle Lunstrum of Colorado, James Franklin of Oklahoma.

DeAnn was preceded in death by her mother Lois Barker, father Robert King, and stepfather Ken Barker. Also preceded in death by June and Byron Franklin, as well as many aunts and uncles.

The family requests memorial gifts be made to the many charities already mentioned above. The family wishes to thank Agrace Hospice care for their very kind and professional service.

John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Truth is never insecure!