WELLS, Gene Wayne Masteller, 74, of Wells and a longtime member of the Ogunquit Police Department, died suddenly Thursday, October 26, 2017 in Chambersburg, PA while traveling to visit family.

Gene was born January 7, 1943 in Baraboo, WI, the son of Roland Wayne and Adella Jurgensmier Masteller, and grew up in the Fond du Lac area.

Enlisting in the US Navy after high school, he served 4 years during the Vietnam War aboard the Aircraft Carriers USS Kittyhawk, USS Enterprise, USS Saratoga, and USS Forrestal. He attained the rank of Plane Captain, assisting pilots strap in on the flight deck. His memories include assisting Jim Lovell as he prepared for takeoff, and actually flew with Cmdr. Lovell in an F-4 J Phantom. Gene met his wife while stationed in Key West, FL.

Upon his discharge, Gene joined the Fond du Lac Police force, for 11 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant before moving to Wells in 1977. He then joined the Ogunquit Police Department, serving the town until his retirement in 2005.

Gene worked hard to provide for his family, taking extra shifts when he could, and together with Nancy, operated the Wells Inn at Wells Corner for many years, catering to the many visitors to Wells Beach.

With his attitude of family first, he was proud to spend time with his large family of children and then grandchildren, creating individual relationships with each one of his grandchildren.
He loved to go flying with Court Tower, fly remote control planes, watch NASCAR and football games, and enjoyed deer hunting in his younger days. Gene had a quick witted dry sense of humor that gave a lasting impression on those who could appreciate it.

He is predeceased by his grandson Christopher Harmon.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Nancy (Rosensteel) Masteller of Wells, four sons Scott (Darlene) Masteller of Dayton, Kevin (Amy) Masteller of Kennebunk, Bryan (Kelly) Masteller of Middleburg, FL, and Erin (Barbara) Masteller of Strafford, VT, a daughter Michelle (Chad) Littlefield of Wells, two brothers Douglas Masteller and Robert (Rachel) Masteller, all of Fond du Lac, WI, 11 grandchildren Brad, Chynna, Luke, Cameron, Lindsey, Justin, Emily, Nathan, Eliza, Tylor and Lance, and three great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be 5 – 8PM Thursday, November 2, 2017 at the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd, Wells. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Friday, November 3, at St. Mary’s Church, 236 Eldridge Rd, Wells with Fr Fred Morse. Interment will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, Wells.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 51 US-1 # M, Scarborough, ME 04074 or to the American Cancer Society 1 Bowdoin Mill Island #300, Topsham, ME 04086 .