Mark David Franklin

Mark David Edmund Franklin, 63, of Harbor Springs, Michigan, died at home on October 3, 2025, with his wife by his side.

Mark was born on October 6, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, to Paul and Margaret (McAleenan) Franklin. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep School in 1979. He then continued on to Boston College and graduated in 1983 and joined the United States Marine Corp in 1983. Over the next 29 years, Mark dedicated his life to military service, rising to the rank of Full Bird Colonel. He flew CH-53 helicopters as well as fixed-wing aircraft, and his career took him at least 39 countries. He also earned two master’s degrees, one focused on Strategic War Studies.

After his honorable discharge in 2012, Mark returned home to Illinois. During that time, he met Shauna Pakula. The two later settled in northern Michigan, a place Mark had cherished since childhood. They were married on April 9, 2014, and made their home on a farm, a lifelong dream for Mark, surrounded by dogs, horses, sheep and cat.

An avid outdoorsman, Mark enjoyed hunting with rifles and crossbows, successfully taking many large game, deer and even a few elk. He also loved to fish. He was a proud member of the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, and the NRA.

Mark is survived by his wife Shauna Franklin in Harbor Springs; his father Paul Franklin; sister Margaret (Wolodymyr) Kira; brother Paul (Mitzi) Franklin; and nieces and nephew Devan, Grant, Georgia, Luci, Claire, and Cassie. He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Franklin; and brothers Glen and Cameron Franklin.

There will be a funeral service at Stutsmanville Chapel on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with an hourlong visitation prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Island View Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Tunnel 2 Towers (t2t.org) or Compassus Hospice (1723 M-32, Gaylord, MI 49735) would be appreciated.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Inc. of Petoskey, Michigan.