Donald Allen

On November 20, 2024, Donald Eugene Allen passed away peacefully at home. Even though his illness was short, it gave him the time to share with friends and family through visits and phone calls, bringing him immense joy. He also received heartfelt greetings from relatives in Denmark, a testament to the love and connection he cultivated throughout his life.

Born on August 5, 1947, in Kankakee, IL, Don was passionate about basketball and baseball, which he played into his college and adult years. He attended Western Illinois University, where he met his future wife, Kris (Kirsten) Nielsen. They married in Lena, IL, in 1970, beginning a partnership spanning over five decades. Don later earned his Master’s in Guidance Counseling from Northern Illinois University.

Don was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church and Heartland Community Church, where he found purpose, community, and joy. His faith inspired meaningful service and fellowship in the Cars Ministry, Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts, Sharefest, Rapid Response Team, as well as unofficial projects for friends and family. His belief in Jesus brought him peace in his final days, and his family holds fast to the promise that they will one day be together again.

Don’s adventurous spirit shone through exploration of many national parks with their children. During retirement, he and Kris visited the rest of the states and numerous countries. In the early years, they favored road trips and camping with the children, but as time passed, he and Kris transitioned to more comfortable hotel stays. In addition to visiting Denmark, where much of their extended family lives, he happily arranged trips whenever they visited the U.S.

His life was centered on connection, expressed through the Tuesday Golfers Group, M.O.B.B. escapades, game nights, woodworking projects, annual Allen reunions, and trips to Bath, Peoria and Havana, IL. He especially cherished the camaraderie of his siblings, and brothers-in-law, Jon and Tom, which involved spirited golf outings, travel adventures, and ambitious home improvement projects. He delighted in giving personalized gifts, sending electronic greeting cards, perfecting and sharing his smoker and grilling skills, and mowing neighbors’ lawns with his prized John Deere zero-turn mower. Don enjoyed golfing with family and friends, treasuring not just the game but also the bonds and laughter shared on the course.

Don’s love language was acts of service, a value he expressed through his tireless efforts in construction and home improvement projects. His skills were honed through a combination of summer jobs, self-teaching, online resources, and valuable lessons from his father-in-law, Augie. Whether helping to build a barn or house, renovating a room, building a deck, repairing a roof, or fixing plumbing and electrical, Don always insisted on doing things the right way (his way!) with unwavering attention to detail and quality.

Don dedicated 33 years to the Harlem School District, serving as teacher, counselor, and administrator at Hoffman Middle School and Harlem Junior High. He also coached girls’ basketball, sharing his passion for the game with countless students at both Harlem and Lutheran. In his final teaching years, he co-taught Health Education alongside his fellow educator, forging a meaningful bond that lasted a lifetime. In addition, Don was a talented videographer. He founded a video business with his partners, filming weddings and dance recitals. He also preserved countless family memories, and every. single. minute. of his kids’ sport, music and theater performances.

Don is survived by his wife, their children and grandchildren: Steve (wife Amy, daughter Rebecca and Anna), Katrina McSweeney (husband Michael, daughter Elizabeth), and David (wife Holly, sons Jaden and Andreas). He is also survived by his two brothers, David (wife Nancy), Edward (wife Nancy), and sister Mary Ann Johnson; in-laws Jon Nielsen, Alice Whalen, Janet Allen, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Don was immensely proud of his children for their talent, warmth and integrity. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, to nurture their unique interests while showering them with plenty of hugs and sweet treats.

He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Alberta (Nall) Allen; his parents-in-law, Augie and Marie (Kirkegaard) Nielsen; his brother, Jerry Allen; his brother-in-law, Tom Whalen; and his sisters-in-law, Sandy Allen and Janet Allen.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mercyhealth Hospital and Hospice who went above and beyond in caring for Don during his final weeks, as well as for the support and guidance they provided to the family both in the hospital and at home.

A Celebration of Life Party will be held from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Midway Village, 6799 Guilford Rd., Main Building, Rockford, IL 61107, for memories, food, and laughter. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Don Allen Scholarship through the Harlem Scholarship Foundation. Checks can me made out to Harlem Scholarship Foundation and in the memo line clearly print Don Allen Scholarship and mail to the check to Carol Johnson, 8843 Elevator Rd., Roscoe, IL 61073. Envelopes will be available at the Celebration of Life; or memorials may also be given to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org and specify pancreatic cancer in the drop down.

Don, Dad and Grandfather: you will be forever loved and deeply missed.