Allan Ross Gavle
Allan Ross Gavle was born in Emmons, Minn., March 10, 1935 to Truman and Viola Gavle. He passed away on the same day as his first wife, Marcia, April 24, 2020, at St. David’s Hospital, Austin, Texas. Allan had fallen and suffered a stroke. He was hospitalized for two months, during the pandemic, where he died from complications of pneumonia. Due to the Coronavirus, services will be held at a safer time.
Allan attended a one room country school, District 43, and graduated valedictorian from Emmons High School. Upon graduation, Allan attended the University of Minnesota where he studied engineering and was on the track team. He was drafted into the military where he served as a high-speed radio operator.
Allan started Scan Construction, Inc. with his friend Ake Schott. They specialized in above ground steel storage tanks. He had four children with his first wife, Marcia.
In 1970, Allan ran for State Senate with the help of his friend, Hubert Humphrey. He was president of the Minneapolis Optimist Club. He was always cheerful and greeted people with a smile.
Allan had a passion for flying, that started at age 11, when he was given a ride on a crop-dusting plane. Viola, his mother, was not aware that he was given a ride until she saw her son pass over them. Allan owned several different types of aircraft and enjoyed many adventures with family and friends.
He looked forward to his class reunions and getting together with “Buddies.” He stayed very close with the classmates of Emmons High School from the class 1953. He was a true gentleman with a humble spirit. He was an incredible storyteller with a great sense of humor and a lot of wit. He lived his life well.
Allan is survived by his wife Janice, Leander, Texas; daughters: Rita and Heidi Gavle, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Jill Wright [Jerry], White Bear Lake, Minn.; stepson, Brent Baker [Amee], Las Vegas, Nevada; stepdaughter, Carrie Thayer [Harris], Round Rock, Texas; sisters: Pauline Callahan, Stone Lake, Wis.; and Lola Brown [Forrest], Minneapolis, Minn.; brother, Tim Gavle [Marie] Rapid City, S.D.; grandchildren: Haley, Rachel, Margo, Jordan, Alex, Ethan; step-grandchildren: Conrad, Jack, Oliver, Claire, Luke; greatgrandchildren Makayla, Eli, and Thor. Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Viola Gavle; his son, Ross Allan; and his first wife, Marcia Gavle Ramsey.
