Eugene J. "Gene" Rafferty, age 86 of Spring Lake Park, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at the Benedictine Innsbruck Care Center in New Brighton.

Gene served 15 years as Land Commissioner for Anoka County.  He was active in many organizations including the Spring Lake Park Lions, Minnesota DAV - Anoka Chapter 39, and is a past Commander of the Fridley American Legion Post 303.  He was very interested in local politics, serving as campaign manager for many people, including Minnesota Legislator Don Frank and Politician Paul McCarron.  Gene was an avid bowler, enjoyed horse racing at Canterbury Downs, and traveling.  He and Anna visited all 50 states.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene J. and Emma M. (Suto) Rafferty.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Anna; children, Debbie (Rick) LeVasseur, Gene Rafferty, Amy (Ron) Wilson, and Julie (Jeff) Loser; grandchildren, Heather (Zach) Sarazine, Ashley Schwab, and Cameron Wilson; great-grandchildren, Ezra and Zippora Sarazine; also many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Church of St. Timothy, 707 89th Avenue NE, Blaine.  Visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)  Interment with Full Military Honors will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover (763) 767-7373