Rev. Franklin K. Ajjarapu

Rev. Franklin Kelly Ajjarapu, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Libertyville, Illinois, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Born on June 11, 1947, in Andhra Pradesh, India, Franklin married his wife Ponnamma on April 28, 1974 and immigrated to the United States in 1975. Franklin and Ponnamma briefly lived in Oklahoma before moving to the Chicagoland area in 1976 and settling in Libertyville, IL in 1985. A devoted man of faith, Franklin earned a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity International University. He had a long and varied career in healthcare, as an entrepreneur, and in ministry. Franklin was most proud of the work he did as a psych counselor at Victory Memorial and Saint Therese Hospitals in Waukegan; as a chaplain at Condell Medical Center In Libertyville; and as an associate pastor at the Korean Full Gospel Church of Love alongside his long-time friend Pastor Song Karry. Franklin’s greatest passion was his ministry work in India. His calling to help spread the gospel began as a teenager translating for traveling evangelists. Over the years, he returned to India several times to preach the gospel, lead ministry trips connecting pastors and churches in the U.S. with local pastors in India, and do humanitarian work to meet tangible needs in the villages in which they ministered. He spent the last 13 years, from 2012-2025 in India working in the orphanage founded by his elder brother, Dr. Krishna M. Ajjarapu, and preaching the gospel throughout India. His never-ending passion to spread the gospel and serve others touched countless lives both in the United States and abroad. Franklin is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Ponnamma; his four sons, Philip, Mathew (wife Jasmine), Jacob, and Dr. Joshua Ajjarapu, M.D.; his cherished granddaughter, Sophie; and his two older brothers, Dr. Krishna M. Ajjarapu and Panduranga Ajjarapu. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Rev. Joshua Ajjarapu, Jr. Franklin will be remembered for his devotion to God, his love for his family, and his dedication to helping others. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at New Hope Christian Fellowship, 1401 S. Lake Street, Mundelein, Illinois 60060. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville. For information, please call 847-362-3009 or share a memory online at www.burnettdane.com.

Rev. Franklin K. Ajjarapu

June 11, 1947 - June 24, 2026