Laura Christine (Derner) Franklin

Livestreaming of the service will be available at https://www.lordoflife.org/celebrationoflife

Laura Christine (Derner) Franklin, age 46 of Rockford, passed away February 14, 2026, after a tough fight with cancer. Laura was born on May 22, 1979, to Steven and Christine Derner. She grew up in Maple Grove where she graduated from Osseo Senior High in 1997. She then went on to earn a finance degree from St. Cloud State University. That is where she met the love of her life, Bryan and eventually they married and had two children, Margaret and Daniel. After a successful career as a credit analyst with BankWest, Laura later joined Bryan at Franklin Press, where they enjoyed working side by side.

Laura loved her community deeply. She was an active organizer and volunteer for many events in the City of Rockford, being honored with multiple awards for her service. She also served for many years on the board of the Rockford Education Foundation.

She enjoyed gardening and entertaining with Bryan, and together they often opened their home to family and friends. Most of all, she loved her family and could always be found cheering — sometimes quite loudly — at Danny’s and Maggie’s activities.

Laura will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, and she will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Laura is preceded in death by sister, Jennifer Derner, and her grandparents. Laura is survived by her husband, Bryan and children, Maggie and Danny; parents, Steven and Christine Derner; and sister, Diana (Nichalos) Clutts, nieces Isla and Cora Clutts and Marley Franklin and many loving family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church 7401 County Rd 101, Maple Grove, MN on Monday, March 9th, 2026, at 2 PM with visitation beginning at 1 PM. Luncheon to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to an organization of your choosing.