Janet Helen (Gast) Hogan

Janet Helen Hogan passed away peacefully at Gracewood Senior Living on December 27, 2020. She is preceded in death by her husband, Phil, her sister Lynn, and her parents Joseph Gast and Helen Vos.  She was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 3, 1932 and went to the University of Michigan where she completed a degree in education.  She and Phil moved to Vadnais Heights, MN where they raised their family and she worked at 3 different school districts in the Twin Citites teaching special needs children. She completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education. They retired to Ely, MN where they built their Swiss Alps style home in the North woods.  They spent 30 years in Ely, making many loving friends and connections there.  Janet is remembered fondly for her inquisitive nature, her love of coffee and conversation at the Front Porch, her support of the Wolf and Bear Centers in Ely, their many travels around the world, and her continuing quest for knowledge.  She is survived by her sisters Peg and Alice, her step-sister Sandra Melo, her son Mike (Anna), her son James, her daughter Terri Copps (Rip) and her 8 grandkids; Matthew (Samantha), Emilie Purvine (Sam), Laura (CJ), Joe, Paul (Clara), Andrew (Meredith), Jim and Katie.   A Celebration of Life will be held for her at the Presbyterian Church of the Way in Shoreview when we can gather together safely at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the 1st Presbyterian Church of Ely, or www.savetheboundarywaters.org.