Dana J. LaFrance, 59, of Rochester, died early Tuesday morning, July 12, 2016 at his home following a heroic battle with cancer.

He was born Dana Joseph LaFrance March 10, 1957 at San Diego, Calif. to Joseph and Mildred (Sampsell) LaFrance. He grew up in Duarte, Calif. and entered the Army following high school. He served a total of eight years, six of them while stationed in Germany.

Upon leaving the military, he joined IBM in California and later transferred to the Rochester, MN site. He worked for IBM for a total of 28 years before retiring. He worked for Clements Chevrolet in Rochester for several years and retired because of declining health. Dana enjoyed fishing, gardening and NASCAR racing.

On June 30, 1995 he married Rosemary "Rosie" Rauen in Rochester and she survives.

In addition, he is survived by a step-son Eric (Amy) Hanson, step-daughter Laura (Jimmy Graham) Hanson and step-grandchildren Eddie, Kyle and Lilly.  He is also survived by his mother Mildred Sampsell Vasquez, sister Valerie Hendrickson, nephews Joe and Josh Hendrickson, and numerous brother & sister in-laws.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1:00PM Monday, July 18, 2016 at River Park Chapel of Macken Funeral Home officiated by Father Tom Loomis. Military rites by American Legion Post 92 will take place following the service at the funeral home. Visitation will be from 12:00pm to 1:00pm (one hour prior to the service) on Monday.