Albert Eugene Essen Sr.

Albert Essen Sr. age 84 of Andover, formerly of Rush City passed away March 12, 2014 at home surrounded by family in Andover, MN. Al was born June 21, 1929 to William and May Essen of Jacobson, MN.  After his schooling, Al joined the U.S. Army in 1947 and served his country in Hawaii.  He lived many places after his military service and settled back in his home town of Jacobson, MN.  Al spent years farming, logging, and doing construction work.  He retired in 1988 but didn’t sit idle.  He loved to garden, hunt, fish, camp, work with wood but most of all; he enjoyed spending time with his family; especially his many grandchildren.    He is survived by longtime companion of 23 years, Susan Katers; children Paula (Ron) Griffith of Elma, WA., Terry Goble of Cathlamet, WA, Albert (Victoria)  Essen, Jr  of Wyoming, MN, Kenny Essen of Urbana, OH, Dale (Lana) Walker of Burnsville, MN,  Jeff (Christine) Katers of Andover, MN,  Dean Walker of Hopkins, MN,  Eugene (Carol) Essen of Rush City, MN,  Scott  (Kerri) Katers of Blaine, MN.  Al is also survived by his brothers Elmer Essen of Pengilly, MN,  James Essen of Floodwood, MN, sister Dorothy Siukola of Duluth, MN, sister in law, Dorothy Essen of Hinckley, MN and brother in law, Chuck Juell of Jacobson, MN and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Al  is preceded in death by his parents, wife Sandra Essen, son Raymond Essen, daughter Sheila McCoy, brother Robert  Essen and sister Elizabeth Juell.  Rev. Karen Wight-Hoogheem will officiate a memorial service for Al; 11:00 AM Saturday (3/15/14) at Faith Lutheran Church of Coon Rapids, MN (11115 Hanson Blvd. NW); with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. A spring interment is planned in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City~ Olson Chapel.       www.funeralandcremationservice.com