Gene “Rip” J. Wasfaret

Gene “Rip” Wasfaret, born May 26, 1937, passed away with family and friends at his side Sunday, October 10, 2021.

Gene was born to Gilman and Myrtle Wasfaret in Ada, MN.  He was raised in Felton and graduated from Felton High School in 1955.  He joined the Air Force and served for four years as a fire fighter, stationed in Bermuda.   Upon ending his Air Force career he returned home and started his passionate career in 1959 with the Moorhead Fire Station, along with his marriage to Geraldine Bachmeier and raising three sons, Jeff, Greg and James.  He served 37 years at the station, retiring as the Assistant Fire Chief.  Rip also owned and ran FM Draperies for 40+ years.

Rip enjoyed many hobbies with his family and friends. His most favorite ones include hunting, fishing, skiing, watching the Twins and Vikings and most of all golfing.  He loved spending time with family and friends at Many Point Lake and Havasu, AZ.  He enjoyed going all over the world on cruises and hunting and fishing trips.

Rip is survived by the love of his life, Patti; his sister Geraldine Isrow; his three sons, Jeff Wasfaret, Greg Wasfaret and James (Rene) Wasfaret; his two grandchildren, Corey (Sue) Wasfaret, Kaley (Jeff) Kupitz, and great-grandchildren Jaida, Haleigh, Janessa, Isabella, Jack, Owen and Maverick; Patti’s children, Scott, Gary and Bev , and grandchildren April, Brooke and Erin.

Rip is preceded in death by his mother, father, three sisters, one brother and Patti’s son, Mike.

A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 12:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, followed by burial with military honors at 4:00 P.M. at Felton Cemetery in Felton, MN.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the American Legion in Moorhead.