Allan Olsen

Mass of Christian Burial for Allan Richard Olsen, 58, of Gilbert will be 11 am Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Michael Garry celebrating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue until Mass at the church. Interment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Allan died Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at his home. He was born on June 25, 1958 to Wayne and Mary Ann (Clement) Olsen in Duluth. Al grew up in Duluth and attended Duluth East High School, graduating from the class of 1976. Following high school, he attended Mesabi Community College where he studied law enforcement. He had been previously employed by Biwabik Township, Eveleth PD, and in 1989 was hired by the Gilbert Police Department. In 1993 Al was promoted to Gilbert Chief of Police until his retirement in 2001. Al was married to Mary Ocepek on September 12, 1981 in Eveleth. He was remarried to Char Hogan on August 7, 2010 in Gilbert. Al had several ventures including snow plowing and owning and operating a pet crematorium in Gilbert and drove for AEOA. Following his retirement, Al and Char purchased Knotty Pine Liquor where they spent their days together operating the business. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and very passionate and active in the wellbeing of the City of Gilbert. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his best friend, Ejay Dawson. Survivors include his wife, Char; one daughter: Katie (Dan) Mastel of Fargo, ND; two stepdaughters: Mary Hogan and Therese (Tanner) Smith both of Gilbert; seven grandchildren: Jackson, Cohen and Natalie Mastel, Luca and Lola Pellini, and Brooklyn and Jersey Smith; four siblings: Kathy (Jim) Harris of Tucson, AZ, Warren (Veronica) Olsen of Duluth, Kenneth (Mechelle) Olsen of Ham Lake, and Steven (Ericka) Olsen of Shoreview; numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved poodle, Rosie. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Breanna Smith; mother-in-law, Julia Malnar; and his parents.