Francis Patrick Campion, 64 of Oronoco, passed on November 3, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Marys Campus in Rochester following a brief illness.

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 Fairin 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 over 36 years, Marylee of Oronoco, his sons Nick (Megan) Campion of Rochester, Bryan Campion of Saint Paul, MN, two adorable grandsons Odin and Elon Campion, his sisters Colleen (Ronnie) Allen of Chatfield, 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 12:00PM on Thursday, November 9, 2017 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, MN.