Gary Nicholas OLCHEFSKI

Age 79, of Inver Grove Heights, MN Formerly of St. Paul, MN Fought all the way until the end on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. Gary was born in New Brighton, MN, on June 5, 1943, to Eugene Olchefski and Florence (Urbanski) Olchefski, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his former wife Heather Jamieson; daughters Shannon Olchefski and Erin Kortekaas; granddaughters Alexi Olchefski, Erica (Engelbert) Hensel and Taylor Russell; great-granddaughters Ruby Hensel and Delilah Olchefski; and brother Robert Olchefski. Also survived by special friends Tracy, Isaac and Rosie 1 & 2. Gary graduated from Mounds View High School in 1961 where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball. Following graduation, he played one season in minor league baseball and served in the United States Army as a veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1966, Gary was hired by the St. Paul Pioneer Press–Dispatch and was employed by the newspaper until his retirement in 2005. He was a member of the International Typographical Union #30 (later the CWA) and played baseball for the National Printers League. A top-flight bowler, Gary competed in both local leagues and national tournaments, coming within one pin of rolling a perfect game (299) at age 18. After retiring from the Pioneer Press, Gary kept busy playing golf and spending time with his many friends and family. A Celebration of Life in remembrance of Gary will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 1:00 pm-4:00 pm at Flaherty's Arden Bowl, 1273 County Road E, Arden Hills, MN 55112. At the end, and after everything he went through, he always remembered who owed him money.