Dana Wiersma

Dana Lea Wiersma, 41, of Rochester, MN passed away at her home on April 22, 2025. She was born in Rochester on February 29, 1984, to Mike and Rita (Bossart) Wiersma. Dana attended Kingsland High School in Spring Valley, MN and graduated in 2003.

Dana moved to Preston, MN where she lived with her dog, Casey. She then moved to Rochester with the services of Cardinal of MN. For the past five years, Dana enjoyed her independence in her own apartment with support services from Bear Creek Services. Dana worked at Hilton Garden Hotel, Guest House Hotel, at St. Mary's Hospital in the cafeteria and at the VFW in Rochester. Dana often shared her love of the work at St Mary's Cafeteria and her crew from Opportunity Services. Dana was a fierce advocate for her self and others. She worked hard to be independent and live life her way. With the support of family, friends, services and technology, she did just that...a life well-lived.

Dana was a proud member of the Rochester Flyers and was part of the MN Special Olympics. Every season she could be found in the pool, on the poly-hockey or bocce ball field or the bowling lanes. Her time spent with coaches and friends were precious to her.

Dana loved Disney from her first trip to Disney World in 2004 and especially Frozen. If you heard either Disney music or children's Christian music, it was Dana playing and singing. Every birthday and Christmas came with wishes for more Disney.

Dana attended Northern Pines Camp in Park Rapids, MN where she enjoyed the outdoors every year. The camp counselors and leadership were important to her and upon leaving each year you could hear her say, "I'll see you next year".

Family was most important to Dana. Every other weekend was a trip to Mom & Dad's house unless she was too busy. She knew every holiday and birthday for every family member and kept the family on schedule and continuing with life long traditions. That included people's friends and furry babies. Dana relished being the BEST AUNTIE to all her nieces and nephews. She was there for their births, celebrations, football games, track meets, graduations, weddings and any other opportunity to be with her brothers and sisters.

Dana is survived by her parents, Mike and Rita Wiersma of Stillwater, siblings Melissa Kelly of Rochester, Christina (Eric) Bradey of Rochester, Michael (Katy) Wiersma or Preston, and James Wiersma of Stillwater, nieces and nephews, Ashley, Izabelle, Logan, Sharon, Tyler, Drew, Beau and Bently and great nephew Donavon.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

A celebration of life will be held from 11am - 2pm on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre, 5482 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. Please come and celebrate Dana with us. We encourage Disney or Camp wear as that is what you would see Dana wearing every day. A variety of pictures, stories and music will also be shared...after all it is Dana's celebration.

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