Alan Dean Fjerstad, (66), of McGregor, Minnesota, passed away on October 22, 2023. He was found by his son, Seth Fjerstad, and emergency responders. He had late-stage alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and died after suffering from multi-organ failure and septic shock. After being taken off a ventilator, he passed away peacefully and with dignity.

Alan, known as Al to most, was born to Dean and Arlene Fjerstad on September 17, 1957, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and spent his summers at the Fjerstad cabin, where he developed his insatiable love for the outdoors and became an outstanding fishing and hunting enthusiast. If he wasn’t fishing, hunting or planning to, he was probably tracking and talking about the weather.

Al went to Normandale College and got a two-year criminal justice degree with the intention of becoming a police officer, but ended up working on the communications side of public safety for 33 years. In the world of public safety, radio, and emergency management, Al was truly revered. He was known throughout the state of Minnesota as an expert in his field. He put in his best work for Hennepin and Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Offices and, after retiring in 2020, he made himself available to the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office when he could.

He is survived by his most loved dog, Dakota, and most of his family members. His children: Tatum, Seth, Levi and his wife Michelle, and their two children, Wyatt and Eleanor. His siblings: James, Ron, Carla and their families, and his father, Harold Dean Fjerstad. Al is also survived by his former wife, Gayle. Al was predeceased by his mother, Arlene.

While it’s frowned upon to speak ill of the dead, it’s important to acknowledge that Al struggled with addiction and mental illness. He grappled with seeking and retaining the help he needed to prevent his cause of death. If you are reading this and you are struggling, the best gift you can give yourself, and the people who love you, is to seek out support. The hard things that happen to you in your life are not your fault, but healing from them is your responsibility and you never have to do that alone. You are loved and cherished more than you know.

A service for Al is being planned for immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Alan’s name.

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