Date of Birth:
Tuesday, June 16, 1931
Date of Death:
Friday, July 19, 2024
Age:
93 years old

Robert Joseph DeFrang

Robert Joseph DeFrang, 93, of Rochester MN was called home by our Heavenly Father on July 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born to John and Agatha (Koob) DeFrang on June 16, 1931.  He attended Lake City Schools and worked on the family farm.  Bob was drafted into the United States Air Force in 1952 during the Korean War where he was stationed in Japan until he was honorably discharged in 1956.  Bob left the military with many medals.  He was proud to serve our country. To stay connected with his military family, he became a member of the VFW in 1973.

In 1956, Bob started his trucking career with Munson Trucking, which was later taken over by Murphy Trucking.  He then worked for Roadway Trucking until his retirement in 1987.  After retiring, he kept himself busy by helping his family and the people in his neighborhood.

Bob met the love of his life, Mary Rowene Armstrong, and they were married at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Plymouth Rock, Iowa.  They made their home in Rochester with their children.  Bob loved working in his well-groomed yard.  If you ever came by his house, you would always see his beautiful flowers and the fruits of his hard work.  He also loved spending time with family and friends.  Being the great man he was, Bob took care of his loving wife who suffered from Dementia and passed away in 2016. His devotion to his family and his amazing belief in God brought him peace and comfort throughout his life journey.

He is survived by his children, Bob (Ann) DeFrang of Sparta, Wisconsin, Julie (Pete) Fischer of Stewartville, MN, Kathy (David) Jeanson of Pine Island, MN, David DeFrang, Patti DeFrang, and Pam (Nate) Smith of Rochester, MN, and his “adopted” daughter Onna Karau of Rochester, MN; thirteen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and ten siblings.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester, MN.  Visitation will begin an hour before the service at 9:00 a.m.

Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice of Rochester or Co-Cathedral St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

We would like to thank Mayo Hospice for all of their support over the past few weeks.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com