Tena Louise Franklin

TENA LOUISE FRANKLIN

Tena Louise Franklin, 64, of Muscatine, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home after an extended illness on August 25, 2026. At her request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 6th from 1- 4 pm at the American Legion.

Tena was born on March 27, 1962, in Muscatine, Iowa, to Judith Ann Ford. She graduated class of 1980 from Muscatine High School. She was joined in marriage to Terry Franklin on June 24, 2005. Tena was a proud long-time employee of Musco Lighting. She was very appreciative of her co-workers and supervisors when she first became ill and was saddened when she had to retire early. She truly loved her time there.

Tena was unable to get out much and missed getting to eat out at her favorite restaurants. She loved it when family would pick up her favorite foods and deliver them to her at home. She enjoyed her days watching Hallmark movies, game shows, and keeping up with family and friends by reading Terry’s Facebook. Her dog Dodge was never far from her side.

Tena’s final wish was to remain at home. With the help of family, Hospice Compassus, and Visiting Angels, that wish was able to be honored. The family would like to give a special thanks to Compassus nurse Rebecca and aide Chayna for their excellent care.

Those left behind to honor her include her husband Terry, children Stacy (Heather) DeLong, Jay (Teresa) Franklin, Tina (Randy) Green, and Tricia (Bill) Bedenbender; grandchildren Stella DeLong, Austin and Braden Franklin, Logan and Paige Bedenbender, and Ella and Annie Green; honorary granddaughter Ashley Glascock and family, close friend and sister in-law Tricia Honeyman, and many other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Judy and Norm Small, in-laws Marvin and Nancy Franklin, brother-in-law Jim Honeyman, best friend Jeannie Garner, and her beloved dog Mindy.

Tena was an avid dog lover, and to honor her memory, memorials can be made to Reagan and Rowen’s Rescue, an animal sanctuary and hospice in Illinois city, Illinois at reaganandrowansrescue.com directly in Tena’s name or to Terry Franklin. The Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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