Don C Cain, age 97, of Rochester, MN, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Charter House in Rochester, MN. Don was born June 15, 1927, in Coalinga, CA, the son of Helen (Nelsen) and Gordon Cain. Oldest of three, Don was predeceased by brother Bill and sister Marthalou. Don grew up in Coalinga, CA. and graduated from High School in 1945. He was drafted into the US Navy and served in the Pacific on the USS Typhon, a LST serving near Japan and Indochina. Once discharged, Don attended and graduated from junior college only to become drafted into the US Army serving in the Korean War as an instructor in radio repair. Once discharged from military service, Don enrolled at San Jose State earning his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
Don married the love of his life Barbara, on December 6, 1952, and they stayed together until her passing in January of 2020. Don became employed with IBM in June of 1956 in San Jose, CA. In 1964 Don took a promotion and moved his family to Rochester, MN. Don remained with IBM until his retirement in 1986.
One of Don's greatest joys was storytelling. He was an accomplished communicator and avid listener, with a tremendous sense of humor. He loved spending time with family and friends at their vacation home in Red Cedar Lake, WI. Don also enjoyed travel, technology and "tinkering". He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rochester and served in various volunteer roles within the church. Don is survived by his two daughters, Debbie Eckhoff (Mike Hayes) of Rochester MN. and Arlene Tourville (Dave) of Plymouth MN; four grandchildren, Alison, Sara, Luke and Christopher and four great-grandchildren, Katie, Zoe, Leo and Jaxon along with other loving relatives and dear friends.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the love, companionship and care Patricia Cronkhite shared with Don in his final years. We would also like to thank all those at Charter House and the Mayo Clinic hospice team for their kindness and professionalism.
A celebration of life will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 512 3rd Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902 on January 4, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with a Celebration of Life service at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or the First Presbyterian Church of Rochester are preferred.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Cain family.
Saturday, January 4, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
First Presbyterian Church
Saturday, January 4, 2025
11:00am - 1:00 pm (Central time)
First Presbyterian Church
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