Robert Franklin Obituary Franklin, Robert (Bob) Brewer Husband, father, journalist, teacher, community activist 3/3/1937-1/31/2025, massive stroke. Associated Press, 196267. Minneapolis Tribune and Star Tribune, 1967-2007. Reporter covering state government, then philanthropy, outstate Minnesota; former City Editor, State Editor. Adjunct faculty, U. of St. Thomas, 19852009. Medina City Council member, 197176 (with title of Chief of Police '7173). Past president and Freedom of Information chairman, Minnesota Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). A founder, Lake Independence Citizens Assn. Survivors include Norma Jean, beloved wife since 1966; children James Robert Franklin, Rockford, and Mary Jean (Mark) Benjamin, Minneapolis and their family Tucker (Brooke), Natalie and Charlotte; siblings Susan Franklin, Batavia, Ill, and Jack (Patti), Batavia, Ill. Bob loved his family, friends, faith and students; good journalism and bad jokes, small-town stories (think Herman bachelors and Darwin ball of twine). He would like to be remembered as a defender of people's right to know government information, and as caring, passionate, professional, cheerful and funny. In retirement, he was a judge since 2010 for SPJ's national investigative reporting contest. Memorials to U. of St. Thomas for the ThreeSixty youth journalism program, where he was a frequent volunteer, in lieu of flowers. Memorial service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Lake, 3/31/2025, visitation at 10am, service at 11am. Services Visitation Monday March 31, 2025 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Trinity Lutheran Church 2060 County Road 6 Long Lake, MN 55356 Memorial Service Monday March 31, 2025 11:00 AM Trinity Lutheran Church 2060 County Road 6 Long Lake, MN 55356