Frank Richason

Frank Marion Richason was born on January 18, 1932 in Wayne, MI to Raymond S. Richason and Mary W. (Paluchniak) Richason. He passed away peacefully on the night of May 16, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Frank graduated from Romulus High School in Michigan in 1948. Following high school, Frank was employed by the Ford Motor Assembly Plant in Dearborn before enrolling in the United States Air Force (1951-1955) and serving in the Korean War. After completing military service, Frank embarked upon an engineering career with IBM in Detroit. On November 25, 1966 he married Loraine H. Gabriel, in Detroit at Assumption Grotto Catholic Church. Frank and Loraine would eventually have six children, three boys and three girls.

The family resided in Wayne, MI until 1974 when a job transfer brought them to Rochester, MN. In 1978, he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business from the University of Minnesota. At the Rochester IBM facility Frank was promoted to numerous specialized positions before retiring in 1991, following 35 years with the company.

Frank was a life member at the Southern Minnesota Sportsman's Club, as well as part of the Rochester Alumni Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He held a Ham radio technician license, was a member of 125 Live, the Widowed Persons Service, and served in many local volunteer positions.

Frank enjoyed outdoor activities throughout his life, particularly cherishing time spent at the family cabin in Shell Lake, WI, trout fishing in southeastern Minnesota streams and rivers, and deer hunting excursions near Park Rapids with relatives. Past hobbies had also included skiing, bowling and golfing. Frank also made time to travel (including to Europe, Canada, and Alaska) and was an avid reader, especially enjoying mysteries and thrillers.

He is survived by six children. Raymond Richason of Eagan, MN, Mary (Steve) Smits of Tyler TX, Jack Richason of Woodbury, MN, Gloria Sharp of Woodbury, MN, Brad (Melissa) Richason of St. Paul, MN, Lynn Richason of Lauderdale, MN, and six grandchildren: Tyler Wilson, Jordan (Cameron) McKernan, Briana Sharp, Amber Sharp, Bryce Sharp and Jonathon (Stephanie) Richason and great grandchild Phoebe Richason. Frank is also survived by his loving long-term companion, Jean Newman. Frank was preceded in death by his wife Loraine, in 2002, both parents and two brothers.

Church memorial service will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester at 11 am on Friday, May 23, 2025 with visitation at the church, one hour prior to the service, with a luncheon following the service at Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre, 5482 Royal Place NW, Rochester. There will also be a visitation on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Richason family.