Obituaries

Trevor Paul Franklin died unexpectedly in his sleep in the early morning hours of February 4, 2025. Trevor was born on August 18, 1988, in Radford, Virginia to Nancy E. (Norton) and Timothy V. Franklin and grew up the oldest child in a family of five with brother, Torrey, and sister, Madelyn. Trevor married Lauren (Branstner) Franklin in 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a wedding they later commemorated in a 2022 celebration in Traverse City, MI. Trevor and Lauren have two children, Ellie (2021) and Charlie (2024) Franklin, both of whom were born in Madison, WI.

A gentle giant of a person, Trevor was a very caring and committed husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was thoughtful, generous, and steadfast, always taking care of those around him. His smile and laugh were infectious and could light up a room. His perceptive and considerate manner made others feel safe, comfortable, and welcome in his presence. An introvert by type, he found joy and comfort in the social clamor of friends and family. He was reliable and kind, loving and intuitive, a great listener who spoke little but said much. Insightful, practical, responsible, and wise, he was loved and respected by his peers as a leader and social organizer. He loved his people and the activities that brought everyone together. All who knew him enjoyed his lightning quick wit and robust sense of humor.

He loved sports: keeping himself fit by biking, running, swimming; playing recreational basketball, flag football, soccer, beach volleyball; and, following his favorite teams, and watching games with friends and family. Trevor’s love of sports transcended teams and leagues; he could spend hours watching an obscure cricket tournament or a professional billiards game.

Trevor loved music (particularly Dave Matthews Band) and travelling the U.S., Europe, Mexico, and New Zealand with family and friends.

A gadget man from early childhood, Trevor brought his creativity and analytical mind to the hobbies he enjoyed and shared, be it cooking, woodworking, Lego construction, brewing beer, sharing a pint, board/word games, improving his home, family camping, or finding applications for intriguing technical innovations. Trevor may have been the first Apple fanatic, owning an iPhone 1 and many subsequent models. His iPad was never very far, and if he lost it, he would just ping it from his iPhone or watch. Trevor loved other fancy gadgets, such as his espresso machine or new Audi, a character trait known as “TrevOpulence” to his close friends. Trevor did things with great care, generally doing them well on the first try.

Trevor cherished his roles of father and husband, sharing parenting with Lauren and adoring his time with Ellie and Charlie. His family roles brought special joy and meaning to his life.

Trevor worked as a consultant in healthcare information technology for Epic Systems Corporation’s (Verona, WI) Boost Division. Trevor began working for Epic in 2010 following his graduation from Bucknell University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in dual majors, computer science and philosophy. In 2006, Trevor graduated from Galileo Magnet High School in Danville, Virginia. Trevor also lived in Blacksburg, VA, Terre Haute, IN, and State College, PA, in addition to Radford & Danville, VA, and the Madison/Verona, WI area.

Trevor is survived by his wife, Lauren, and children, Ellie (nearly 4) and Charlie (7 mos.). He is also survived by his parents, Tim and Nancy Franklin, his brother Torrey Lee Franklin (Tampa, FL) and sister Madelyn Elizabeth Ella Franklin (Philadelphia, PA), and their fiancés’ (Elara Sakona and Anya Gilroy, respectively). His parents-in-law, Steven and Mary Branstner, his brother-and-sister-in-law, Evan and Megan Branstner, and their children, Edie, Max, and Jake, also survive Trevor. On his paternal side, Trevor is survived by his uncle, Edward Lee Franklin (Laura Fleming), aunt, Jan (Michael-David ) BenDor and cousins Toby and Todd (Amanda) BenDor. On his maternal side, Trevor is survived by his uncle, David (Lynn) Norton and cousins Harley and Kerry, as well as by uncle Tom (Susan) Norton, and cousins Hunter (Sloane) and Reed (Nora). Trevor was predeceased by his grandparents William and Florence (Betty) Norton (Bethlehem, PA) and Richard and Paula Franklin (Baltimore, MD).

Plans for a Celebration of Trevor’s Life will be held in early May in Madison, WI. An update will be provided here when plans are finalized.