Stephen James "Steve" Franklin Jr.

Stephen James “Steve” Franklin Jr., 53, of Sioux City passed away Monday, March 4, 2024, at a local hospital.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 8, 2024, at Meyer Brother Morningside Chapel with Pastor Fred Sundt officiating.  Visitation with the family will be one hour prior at the funeral home.  Burial with Military Honors will be at Logan Park Cemetery.

Steve was born December 16, 1970, in Billings, Montana, the son of Stephen James Franklin Sr. and Kathleen Ann (Harris) Franklin.  He graduated from Morningside Christian School in Sioux City and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  After being honorably discharged from the Marines, Steve married Carrie Burris.  To this union, his son Stephen James Franklin III was born.  The couple later divorced.  Steve married Brenda Cakebread on June 29, 2017, in Lawton, Iowa. 

Steve enjoyed farming and was a lifelong student, eager to learn and study new things.  He enjoyed fishing and ice fishing, camping trips and cabin stays with his family, trips to Yellowstone, and visits with his beloved grandma Gerry Harris.  He loved spending time with his grandkids and attending their activities, listening to 80’s music and watching movies.  Steve’s presence filled each room he walked in to with his larger-than-life personality and sense of humor.  

Survivors include his parents Steve and Kathy Franklin of Owasso, OK; wife Brenda Cakebread-Franklin of Sioux City; son Stephen James Franklin III of Bentonville, AR; stepdaughter Milenia Cakebread of Sioux City; grandchildren:  Theodore Cakebread and Sebastian Fuentes of Sioux City; brother Troy (Audra) Franklin and their children:  Simon, Stella, Sophie, and Spencer all of Owasso, OK; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his brother Jason John Franklin, his paternal grandparents Stan and Lucille Franklin and maternal grandparents Donald “Doc” and Geraldine “Gerry” Harris.

Pallbearers will be Jason Davis, Jason Cason, Leon Potter, Kris Knutson, Brian Wilde Sr., Nathan Davis, and Chad Rauchy.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Stephen James Franklin III and Tristen Stack.