Michael Timothy Franklin, 46

Michael Timothy Franklin, 46, died peacefully Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, from complications of diabetes, which was diagnosed when he was a juvenile. He was at home and surrounded by loved ones in his final moments, just as he wanted it to be.

He was born in Minneapolis to Gerald B. Franklin on Aug. 21, 1960. He was raised in Minnesota and Iowa, then went to school in Las Vegas. Mike moved to Kalispell in 1996 and has called this his home since.

He started trucking as a very young boy, going out on the road with his father. After he got out of school, he resumed that first love, trucking, until his poor health forced him to quit.

He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Gerald Franklin. He also lost his canine friends, Julie and Rosie.

He is survived by his brother, Ron Weltzin, and wife, Connie, of Twin Falls, Idaho; nephews, RB Weltzin of Monroe, Wash., and Cody James Weltzin of Twin Falls; two uncles, Steve and aunt Bunny Franklin of Eureka, and Jim 'Black Jack' Franklin of Glassboro, N.J.; as well as numerous cousins.

Also surviving Mike is 'the best thing that ever happened to him and for him,' his soulmate, Robin Lupo, and her two daughters, Keisha and Samantha, as well as several friends and trucker buddies.

Services will be announced and held at a later date when the family has been able to contact his trucker friends.

In lieu of flowers and to help take care of expenses, please mail donations to Robin Lupo, P.O. Box 8191, Kalispell, MT 59904.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.