George F. Marette

George F. Marette, age 90 of Richfield passed away on March 25th, surrounded with love. He was truly the best husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa ever. He was a kind, intelligent, hard-working man, who always went out of his way to help others, volunteering in many capacities to help those less fortunate. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing cards, a glass of scotch, reading, volunteering, politics and the Minnesota Twins. He was a life-long learner, whose love of learning continued his whole life. Above all, he loved being with his wife, Shirley (Finnegan) and their 10 children; 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was born in Virginia, MN, grew up in Saginaw, Michigan and returned to Hibbing, MN after his father died. He graduated from Hibbing High School, where he was class President. He served in the U.S. Navy and graduated from the University of Minnesota, with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked at RCA upon graduating from college and went on to work for Sperry Univac, from which he retired, as a Director of Engineering. He met Shirley, while in college. Their love for one another was an inspiration to others and an example of what true love should be. They spent their lives caring for one another, their family and those around them. He was preceded in death by his beloved Shirley; his parents, George and Ida Marette; and two infant children, John and Mary's twin sister. He is survived by his children, Craig (Mary), Scott (Mary), Mark, Kim (Habib) Vafi, Keith (Laurie), Shelly (Jim Kirkham), Mary, Jackie (Greg) Hoglund, Patric and Kelly; grandchildren, Shawn, Mark, Brian, Jenni, Cameron, Connor, Connie, Jessica, Meaghan, Jacob, Karina, Brooke, Taylor, Jamie, Brandon, Brittany, Jack, Garett, Morgan, Ryan, Kian, Natalie, Nick and Chelsea; great-grandchildren, Nolan, Max, Callie, Chloe, Dylan, Will, Sam, Genevieve, Kennedy, Keira, Connor, Mackenzie, Maeva, Bella and Finnley.

Details of a memorial will be available at a later date.