Anthony Jerod (AJ) Franklin, age 41, of Dexter, MI, took his own life on Sunday evening, April 4, 2021. Born on April 26, 1979 in San Diego, CA, AJ was the son of Deacon Thomas G. and Joy A. (Tomseth) Franklin. The Franklin family moved from California to Chelsea, MI in 1984.

AJ owned a successful carpet installation business. He was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith. AJ enjoyed the outdoors, being creative, and his pets. Outdoors, his favorite pastimes were hunting (both bow and black powder), fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, off-road motocross, and foraging the woods in search of prized mushrooms. AJ stretched his creative muscles by creating at the pottery wheel, playing the piano and drums, enjoying music, gardening, and caring for houseplants. He loved Spike and Walter, his dogs, and they loved him right back. AJ was never the same after he lost his son, Jared.

Survivors include his parents, Tom and Joy; his siblings, Peter (Pam Painter) Franklin of Jackson, MI, John Franklin of Chelsea, Amy (Michael) Franklin-Landando of Park Falls, WI, Sarah (Douglas) Poley of Grass Lake, MI, Joseph Franklin of Grass Lake, and Patrick (Bekah Dickenson) Franklin of Grand Rapids, MI; as well as five nieces and two nephews. AJ was predeceased by his son, Jared L. Franklin; sisters, Mary Rebecca Franklin, and Ashley Franklin; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and uncle, Michael Franklin.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. Visitation is the same day at the church, 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial is private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of AJ to the local, Chelsea-based, “Why You Matter” initiative or to the local Grass Lake Sportsmen’s Club. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.