Roger Blanchard

Roger A. Blanchard, 78, of Rochester, MN died Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Cottagewood Senior Communities. Roger Almon Blanchard was born December 28, 1939 to Paul and Effie (Holt) Blanchard in Des Moines, IA. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School. He worked as a police dispatcher in Iowa and worked as an electronics technician in Ostrander, MN for KTTC & KROC. Roger finished his career working IBM Rochester. He married Roma Rofern; they later divorced. On June 12, 1993 he married Patricia (Benda) in Rochester, MN. Roger was an avid fan of model trains and a favorite Christmas tradition was to set up a model train beneath the tree. He and Pat shared a passion for bicycle training. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Melissa Jane Blanchard, Michael George Blanchard and David Paul Blanchard; and two grandchildren, Brandon and Gina. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Church of the Nazarene (3343 East Circle Drive NE). Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date in Des Moines, IA. To leave a special memory or condolence message please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com or stop by Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. (507) 289-3600