Armand Rafferty, age 87, of Frederic, WI formerly of Mt. Iron, MN died Saturday April 5, 2025, at Traditions of Frederic.

Armand was born on December 29, 1937 to Evelyn Jenkauski in Bemidji, MN. He was later adopted by Boyce Rafferty and raised in Wilton, MN. He proudly served the United States Navy from 1956 - 1960. He was united in marriage to Janice Sorensen August 1, 1961, in Denver, Colorado.

Armand and Janice made Mt. Iron their home for nearly 60 years. Early in their marriage Armand worked as an orderly at the hospital in Virginia. Those skills were still present when he and Janice moved into Traditions of Frederic in 2021. He also worked at Taconite Tire and Hercules Powder company.

Armand worked in the mining industry for nearly 30 years. First at Minntac, where he was a Heavy Machine operator as well as a Foreman on trains until the layoffs of the 80’s. He was then picked up by Erie Mining company/LTV where he drove trucks and ran drills until his retirement in 2002.

Armand enjoyed being with his family more than anything. He loved going to the casino to play penny slots any chance he got. He enjoyed baseball, horseshoes, fishing and bowling. He liked going “to town”, coffee with friends, and breakfast at McDonalds with his grandkids. He was a member of Hope Community Presbyterian Church. He was a volunteer at the Salvation Army in Virginia. He was a proud member of the Virginia VFW Honor Guard for several years. At Traditions he loved walking around the community, riding the trishaw bike and playing Bingo.

Armand is survived by his wife Janice Rafferty. His son Jeff (Yenny) Rafferty of Monticello, MN, his daughter Traci (Chris) Johnson of Grantsburg, WI, his grandchildren: Michael Rafferty, Meghan Raffery, Caleb Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Sean Rafferty, Joshua Rafferty and Jayden Rafferty. His brother Elroy (Judy) Rafferty of Hoyt Lakes, MN.

He is preceded in death by his Stepfather Boyce Rafferty, his mother Evelyn Rafferty, his son Bruce Rafferty, his close friend and brother-in-law Paul Borgman, his brother Gerald Rafferty, his brother-in-law Joe Spehar and his grandson Dean Johnson.

Armand was a kind hearted man who was loved by everyone he met.

There will be a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 at the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home in Virginia, Bill Bauman will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Last Update: Apr 14, 2025 1:16 pm CDT