1947
John
2025
John Allen
June 7, 1947 — March 25, 2025
GMC (SW) John W. Allen USN (Ret) was born June 7th, 1947, in Menomonie, Wisconsin to Dr. Ralph and Edith Allen. He enlisted in the Navy at 17 and spent 28 years serving, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. During his naval career he served on a destroyer, fast frigate, sub tender and two aircraft carriers. He received a commendation from the President for his part in the recovery of the Challenger Space Shuttle. He was well liked by those who served with and under him-especially the guys who stole the (former) irritating Captain's reserved parking space sign and smuggled it to the house in the middle of a downpour! After retiring from the military, he embarked on a second career in Computer Aided Drafting eventually teaching CAD at the Lake County Technical High School and College of Lake County. After retiring a second time, he was able to pursue his dream job-babysitting his grandsons!
John married his best friend, Melinda Kant, on September 14, 1974. They eventually moved in with each other after a year and moved overseas to their favorite duty station in Dunoon, Scotland. They bounced around the South and California eventually coming back to the Midwest-the best part of the country (fewer snakes and earthquakes). Along the way they had two daughters, lots of memories and acquired a piano to fill up the last 500 pounds of the government weight allowance for moving.
John was an active member of American Legion Post 95, Walworth County Vietnow, and Covenant Congregational Church. He and his pals were often found in the pool at Comfort Suites or walking around Lowe's to stay active in their retirement.
John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2017 and was able to remain at home until the end of 2022, when he moved into Amberwood Care Center in Rockford, Illinois. The family is very appreciative to the VA, All Day Adult Care (Ashley) and Amberwood (Ty) for all the support and excellent care they provided for John as well as the rest of the family.
John passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Melinda of Delavan, daughter Shaughna (Kent) Sundquist of Appleton, daughter Siobhan (Matt) Rung and grandsons Jonathan and Benjamin Rung of Delavan. He is also survived by his brother Ralph (Karen) Allen of Virginia. We also want to mention his honorary grandchildren, Ross and Ben Morgan, Michaela and Alisandra Hutchison. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Edith, in-laws Erwin and Janice Kant, brother James Allen, brother-in-law Michael Craney, sister-in-law Laurie Kant-Hull and nephews Theodore Allen and Benjy Grossen.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 5 at Delavan UCC. A visitation will begin at 10:00 and the service will begin at 11:00. Luncheon will follow at American Legion Post 95.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's Association.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
John married his best friend, Melinda Kant, on September 14, 1974. They eventually moved in with each other after a year and moved overseas to their favorite duty station in Dunoon, Scotland. They bounced around the South and California eventually coming back to the Midwest-the best part of the country (fewer snakes and earthquakes). Along the way they had two daughters, lots of memories and acquired a piano to fill up the last 500 pounds of the government weight allowance for moving.
John was an active member of American Legion Post 95, Walworth County Vietnow, and Covenant Congregational Church. He and his pals were often found in the pool at Comfort Suites or walking around Lowe's to stay active in their retirement.
John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2017 and was able to remain at home until the end of 2022, when he moved into Amberwood Care Center in Rockford, Illinois. The family is very appreciative to the VA, All Day Adult Care (Ashley) and Amberwood (Ty) for all the support and excellent care they provided for John as well as the rest of the family.
John passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Melinda of Delavan, daughter Shaughna (Kent) Sundquist of Appleton, daughter Siobhan (Matt) Rung and grandsons Jonathan and Benjamin Rung of Delavan. He is also survived by his brother Ralph (Karen) Allen of Virginia. We also want to mention his honorary grandchildren, Ross and Ben Morgan, Michaela and Alisandra Hutchison. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Edith, in-laws Erwin and Janice Kant, brother James Allen, brother-in-law Michael Craney, sister-in-law Laurie Kant-Hull and nephews Theodore Allen and Benjy Grossen.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 5 at Delavan UCC. A visitation will begin at 10:00 and the service will begin at 11:00. Luncheon will follow at American Legion Post 95.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's Association.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Allen, please visit our flower store.
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