Warren Warfield

Warren C. Warfield, 82, of Rochester, MN passed away on March 1, 2016 at his home of a brain aneurysm. Warren was born July 23, 1934 in Austin, MN to William and Ethel Warfield. He graduated from Austin High School in 1952.Upon graduation he joined the Air Force and went through gunnery school in Denver, CO where he was a gunner on a B-29 bomber. During his time in Denver, he went through flying school and also attended several electronic schools. He was then stationed in Salina, KS where he worked on electronic equipment that was used on B-47 bombers. Following his honorable discharge in 1956 he was one of IBM Rochester's first fifty hired employees. On December 29, 1956, he married Sharon Ekedal at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, MN. Warren's career at IBM also included moving his family and transferring to Cocoa Beach, FL where for 2 ½ years he worked on the spacecrafts for NASA. He then continued to work for IBM in Rochester as an electrical engineer in the storage division for 30 years until his retirement. Warren always had a passion for walleye fishing and pheasant hunting. He also enjoyed day excursions on his motorcycle and touring the country with his buddies. His other hobbies included bowling and golf. He always maintained a strong sense of family in helping them to feel safe, loved, happy and wise. Warren is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon; children, Sheryl Warfield of Rochester, MN and Mesquite, NV and Kenneth Warfield of Isanti, MN; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughters, Lori Sobania and Lynn Cook and one brother and sister. The memorial service to celebrate Warren's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes with Pastor Tom Bakke officiating. A reception will follow. Interment will be at a later date at the Calvary Cemetery in Austin, MN. In lieu of flowers and because Warren's great compassion for young children, memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600