John R. Allen

Obituary

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Preceded in death by wife, Mary; parents, Virginia and Irvin Allen; and brothers Carl and Timothy. He is survived by brothers Frank (Anne) and Harvey; sisters Mary Moline and Helen (Floyd) Peltier; sons Jeff (Gabrielle), Greg (Kirsten), Steve (Sue), David; and daughter Susi Klammer; 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by children and grandchildren in the Holman family.

Education & Career

Dad was born in St. Paul, MN but spent most of his youth in Royalton, MN. He enjoyed playing football, basketball, and running track, and he was valedictorian at Royalton High School. He went to Columbia University to study engineering and be part of the track team.

Dad started working for the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation in 1960. The family moved to Duluth, MN in 1964 and then again in 1980 to White Bear Lake when he transferred to the St. Paul office. He retired in 2000 after a 40-year career in the State of Minnesota.

Dad's Passions

Dad was active throughout his life playing softball and basketball. He also coached us kids in basketball and baseball. As we grew to ages he couldn’t coach, he was sure to attend games but still made his sideline opinions known to both players and everyone else in attendance.

He rarely missed a game, band concert, dance recital or other event in which we participated. As our family expanded to include his grandkids and great-grandkids, dad attended many of their games, concerts and other events as well.

Dad enjoyed fishing and pheasant hunting. He likely regretted the times he took us fishing, though, because he spent most of his time untangling our lines.

An avid reader, dad read, among others, probably every Perry Mason, Agatha Christie, Nero Wolfe, Rex Stout, and Hercules Poirot book.

He enjoyed the arts, with season tickets to the Guthrie Theatre, Park Square Theatre and Lakeshore Players. Dad was also able to travel extensively with Mary.

Playing bridge was, perhaps, dad’s greatest pastime in life.

memorial service

Memorial Service

October 6, 2022

Redeemer Lutheran Church 3770 Bellaire Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, USA

Visitation one hour prior. Light luncheon following.