Lawrence "Rip" Rassier

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Lawrence “Rip” Rassier age, 87 of Waite Park who passed away on Friday. September 6, 2024 at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta. Reverend Brady Keller will officiate. Interment will take place with military honors at the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery in Waite Park.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of service on Wednesday at St. Michaels’ Catholic Church in St. Cloud.

Larry entered the lineup to Parnell and Elizabeth “Betty” on October 31, 1936, and grew up with his sister, Coral. His family later moved to Saint Cloud, where he attended Cathedral High School, graduating in 1954. After high school, Larry served with pride in the U.S. Army Reserve’s 56th 1st Class as an instructor for seven and a half years and was honored to be stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was then selected as a first-round draft pick by N.S.P., where he dedicated 31 and a half years of his career, then retiring in 1997. Throughout his time with the company, he also contributed to the community by teaching Junior Achievement business classes at Cathedral High School as an N.S.P. representative. Additionally, he served on the N.S.P. Salvation Army Board of Directors, demonstrating his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact.

During his baseball career, Larry played first base and outfield for the Fort Jackson, S.C. Army Baseball team, 3rd T.R.G. He later played for and managed the St. Stephen Steves, Sartell Muskies, and St. Cloud Moose, earning the nickname “RIP” after mimicking a move by Rip Repulski. Off the field, Larry’s greatest catch came in high school when he met his beloved wife, Mildred “Millie.” The two were married on June 21st, 1958, marking the beginning of the Rassier family legacy.

Together, they had two children, Terry (Sharon) and Shelley (Thomas) Gould, who blessed the family with five grandchildren: Matthew (Mei), Bryan (Kayla), Trista (Tyler) Cleaveland, Leah (Ryan) Olk, and Anna (Cody) Plumski. After Millie’s passing on June 16, 2014, Larry found love again with Carol Lindt, and they were married on April 18, 2017. Larry welcomed and embraced Carol’s family as his own, offering love, support, and kindness throughout the years. The Rassier family franchise continues to expand with the addition of new “little sluggers” to the lineup: Wesley Cleaveland, Ali Cleaveland, Charlotte Olk, Emmett Olk, Marcus Rassier, and Rowan Plumski ensuring the legacy lives on.

In the off-season, Larry found joy in the church and outdoor activities, including fishing, camping,snowmobiling, golfing, attending Rox games, and hunting with friends. He also loved Minnesota sports and enjoyed watching the Twins, Vikings, Lynx, Timberwolves, the Wild, Husky Hockey, Minnesota Gopher Football, and Minnesota Gopher Basketball. Larry proudly supported his children’s and grandchildren’s events.

Larry’s contributions to the sport of baseball were widely recognized and he was inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and the Sartell Muskies Hall of Fame. Larry was a member of various organizations, including the St. Cloud Eagles Club #622, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the National American Legion. He was one of the proud founders and organizers of the Sartell Muskies baseball team in Sartell, MN, further cementing his lasting impact on the community and the sport he loved. Larry was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Trobec Council #5276, St. Cloud Moose, St. Stephen River Runner Sno-Mobile Club, and a member of the Sartell-St. Stephen School Board. Larry was also involved with starting the little league midget & Babe Ruth program in St. Stephen, President of the St. Stephen Athletic Club, an Umpire for the Slo-Pitch Softball team at Pine Edge Fields, loved being a part of fundraisers for the St. Stephen Steves and Sartell Muskies by running softball tournaments and Member of the Sartell Athletic Club.

Lawrence “RIP” Rassier was one of the finest gentlemen to walk the earth and will be missed by many.

With heartfelt gratitude, we extend a very special thank you to the incredible teams at Saint Cloud Hospital, CentraCare Hospice, and Quiet Oaks. Your exceptional care has meant the world to us, and we are forever grateful for your kindness and compassion.