Sonja Franklin

Sonja Jeanette Franklin, 87, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Sonja was born in Independence, Kansas on August 17, 1939, to parents Arthur and Dorothy Errickson. In her childhood, she enjoyed growing up with her brother Eric in Iola, KS. She was a Kansas girl through and through living in Overland Park, Yates Center, Winfield, Council Grove, Columbus, Kansas City and Wichita.

Sonja received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Baker University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University. She was a devoted elementary school teacher for 32 years and was a student favorite with the energy and compassion she brought to the classroom. Sonja received multiple Master Teacher awards during her career. Throughout her lifetime, many of her former students stayed in touch sharing important life events such as graduations, weddings, and births. Many even credit her with being the inspiration for their own teaching careers.

Sonja would think her greatest accomplishment was her loving family including being a beloved mother, wonderful grandmother and loving wife.

She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur Errickson and Dorothy Errickson and brother, Eric Errickson. Sonja is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dr. Jerry Franklin; son and daughter-in-law, Jarrett Franklin and Beth Hendrich; daughter and son-in-law, Joni Franklin Breitenbach and Aaron Breitenbach; and grandchildren, Dr. Morgan Franklin, Eric Franklin, Gabriel Breitenbach, and Lulu Breitenbach.

Visitation will be from 5:30-7:30pm, Thursday, September 3rd, at the Cozine Life Events Center. The service celebrating Sonja’s life will be 1:30pm, Friday, September 4th, also at Cozine Life Events Center. The family is setting up a scholarship fund to promote elementary education professionals to honor her teaching legacy.

Services by Cozine Memorial Group – Cozine Life Events Center. Details regarding the live streaming of the service are available at the www.cozine.com.

A memorial has been established with:

Sonja Franklin Elementary Education Professional Scholarship
Donate via check by making checks payable to Baker University with “Sonja Franklin” in the memo line, and mail to:
Baker University attn: University Advancement
PO Box 65
Baldwin City, KS 66006

Donate online by following the link below and indicating “Sonja Franklin” on the giving form.
Sonja Franklin Elementary Education Professional Scholarship Donation Link