Gene L. Ristvedt

Gene L. Ristvedt, 85 of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018 at the V.A. Healthcare System, Fargo, ND.

Gene was born on March 5, 1933 on the family farm in Cuba Township (rural Lake Park, MN) to Herbert and Mabel (Dolen) Ristvedt.  The Ristvedt family was one of the original homesteaders to the area.  He attended District 12 country school into the 10^th grade until his father passed away unexpectedly and Gene was needed on the farm.

He served in the army from 1956-1958 and was stationed in Germany.  After his service he moved to Savage, MN and then to Minneapolis, MN.  Gene worked as a mechanic and later as a heavy machinery operator for various construction companies.  He married Dorothy Pechia in 1986 and they were together until her passing in 1998.  After retiring, Gene took a job on the grounds crew at a local golf course where he operated a mower, which he enjoyed very much.  In 2011 he moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, where he met Betty Benson, who would be with him until his passing.

Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing, but was really happy just being outdoors.  He often spoke of wanting to be back on the farm working with the animals.

Gene is survived by his best friend, Betty, and cousin, Allen Knopf as well as several other cousins and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Milo.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes, MN.  Family and friends may gather one hour before the service.

Burial will be in Lake Park Lutheran Cemetery, Lake Park, MN.