Ute Keicher Franklin

Ute Keicher Franklin passed on February 19, 2024, at her home. She was born on October 24, 1923, in Gera, Germany. She faced many early challenges due to her father’s poor health and her parent’s loss of their academic positions because they opposed Hitler and the Nazi Regime. As a young woman Ute was able to attend the University of Jena where she majored in Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry. Near the end of World War II, the city of Jena and Gera, fell within the Soviet Zone of occupation and Ute fled to Berlin Technical University in Mechanical Engineering. While in Berlin Ute met and married US Army Sergeant and Knoxville native Benjamin Franklin on August 9, 1948, until June 1963. They were stationed at a variety of locations both in the U.S.A and Europe. After that they settled in Knoxville with their two children, Mark and Nora. In 1964 Ute applied for a job as a Lab Technician at Galbraith Laboratories. She was hired immediately after being interviewed by Dr. Harry Galbraith owner and President of Galbraith Laboratories and Vice President Gail Hutchinson. She worked her way quickly up to third in line in the company as the Quality Control Supervisor for all of the Laboratory’s Analytical Departments. She retired in 1989. She then took up the Game of Golf, becoming a member of four ladies golf leagues and she played well into her 90’s. She also enjoyed playing tennis and snow skiing for many years as well. She kept young by having many younger friends and having her cats. She was predeceased by husband, Benjamin Franklin, her mother Annemarie Keicher, her father Kurt Keicher and her sister Ursula Perschl. She is survived by her children Mark Franklin and Nora Murphy as well as her grandchildren Matthew Franklin, Kevin Franklin, Kimberly Franklin, Sean Murphy and Brian Murphy. Great grandchildren Peyton Franklin, Charlotte Franklin, Ruby Franklin, Vivian Franklin, June Franklin, June Murphy, Jolie Murphy and Emmett Murphy. She is also survived by her nephews James O’Mary, Michael O’Mary, and David Maher, and niece Ginger O’Mary. The family wishes to thank a very special friend Travise Wilson and her family. We would also like to thank the visiting Angels Agency office staff and caregivers Iyonna Slade, Brend Litzinger, Kathy Kinzer, Cherly Gebbie, Tanya Fielden, Sana Omar, Beth Collins and Brenda Nichols. The family wishes to also thank the staff at U.T. Hospice. Per Ute’s wishes there will be no memorial services. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers feel free to donate to the Young Williams Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Ute Keicher Franklin

February 19, 2024