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Francis P. "Fran" Campion
Francis P. "Fran" Campion
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Francis Campion Obituary
Fran was born on April 9, 1953, in Rochester to Jim and Helen Campion. He was raised on the family farm in Eyota and graduated from Chatfield High School in 1971. Fran was a proud member of Local 49 International Union of Operating Engineers for more than 30 years. As a skilled crane operator, he played a major role in many significant projects across the region and took great pride in his work. As one of the first tower crane operators in Rochester, he was the subject of a Minnesota Public Radio broadcast and featured in The Post Bulletin.
He met Marylee Fair in December 1979 and proposed one month later. They were married on July 11, 1981, at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester and were blessed with two sons. Fran was always the life of the party with his entertaining stories and quick wit. Following retirement, Fran golfed with friends almost daily at Maple Valley Golf Course and took great joy in telling (and retelling) the story of his hole-in-one on hole 17. In addition to golf, he enjoyed woodworking, debating politics, and spoiling his grandsons.
He is survived by his wife of more than 36 years, Marylee of Oronoco; his sons, Nick (Megan) Campion of Rochester, Bryan Campion of St. Paul; two adorable grandsons, Odin and Elon Campion; his sisters, Colleen (Ronnie) Allen of Chatfield, and Linda (Steve) Sikkink of Rochester; his brother, Michael (Vicki) Campion of Eyota; his uncle, Ross (Peggy) Campion of Eyota; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and loyal canine companion, Bear.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
The memorial Mass for Fran will be at noon Thursday, Nov. 9, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Rochester, with Father Thomas Loomis officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial of his ashes will be in St. Bridgets Cemetery in Simpson.
Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
November 8, 2017
Marylee, I am so sorry to hear about Fran, My deepest thoughts and prayers go to you and your family
Sue Johnson
Rita & Pat Lawson
November 7, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of Fran's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
William French
November 6, 2017
I am sorry I will miss Frannie Pat's funeral in that I'm out of the country. He and I go back a long ways, to hundreds if not thousands of bus rides. I recall many disagreements and wrestling matches because we didn't always see things the same way. He was a very worthy adversary, I must say, and generally got the last word. He would always stick to his guns, a quality I came much to admire over the years. He had a good mind, a quick wit, and was never afraid to call a spade a spade. There are fewer and fewer people around like he was now that we live in an MPR everything-is-great world. His clarity of thought, independent mind, and spirit will be sorely missed. He was a true American.
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Sheryl Allen
November 6, 2017
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Julie Pavelko
November 6, 2017
I am so sorry. My heat aches for you and your family Marylee.
Julie
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