Mary Rowene DeFrang, 79, was called home by our Heavenly Father, on Thursday, September 29, 2016 after battling a short illness.  She was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her passing. Her strong devotion to her family and amazing belief in God brought her great peace during this difficult time.

Mary was born July 24,1937 in Decorah, Iowa to Ray and Mae Armstrong. On October 21,1959, she married Robert Joseph DeFrang at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Plymouth Rock, Iowa.  They made their home in Rochester, Minnesota where she worked as a LPN at Saint Mary's Hospital until she decided to stay at home and raise her children.  Later, she went back to work at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home until she retired.  She was a very devoted wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister and friend along with being a devout Catholic.

Mary DeFrang is survived by her husband, Robert DeFrang; 4 daughters, Julie Fischer (Pete), Kathy Jeanson (David), Patti DeFrang, Pam Smith (Nate); two sons, Bob DeFrang (Ann) and David DeFrang; one "adopted" daughter, Onna Karau; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Armstrong; 2 brothers, Leo Armstrong (Sharyn) and Frank Armstrong (Linda).  She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Bev McDonald (Jack).

The visitation will be on Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.  The Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 3, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Rochester with Msgr. Gerald A. Mahon officiating. A viewing will be held one hour before the service at church.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery after the reception.

Macken Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com