Richard Allen

Allen Richard "Dick" Allen was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on July 19, 1929. Passed away April 18, 2003 in Minneapolis. Preceded in death by parents, Myron & Maude Allen; sister, Elizabeth. Survived by his wife of 50 years, Mavis; son, Mark (Regan); daughter, Barbara (Bradford III) Silk; grandchildren; Justine, Kelsie and Elise Allen, Ashley and Bradford IV Silk; sister, Nancy Schultz of Cedar Rapids, IA; nieces Kim (Rob) Ready and their children, Karly and Ty, Kris Schultz & fiance Tom Heyenga. Dick spent his early years in Cedar Falls, Iowa. After a move to Minneapolis, he graduated from Marshall University High in 1948. His father had established a construction company in Strawberry Point, Iowa and after graduation he joined him there. He serviced his country in the Army for two years during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he enrolled in college and graduated from Upper Iowa University. He taught for 2 years in Waukon, Iowa teaching Drivers Education and Physical Education and Health. He then returned to Minneapolis and taught 5 years at Bryant Junior High and then transferred to West High School. He was with Minneapolis Public Schools for 31 years. He was head coach of the men's tennis team at West and assisted in football and basketball. In 1972 he took on the duties of Athletic Director and continued until West High closed. He then assumed the same duties at Southwest High until his retirement in 1989. In 1987, he fulfilled his dream of building a lake home when he purchased property on Hanging Kettle Lake, near Aitkin, MN. After his retirement, he spent many hours completing it and fishing for the big bass. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to fish and baiting their hooks. He also took an interest in the athletic endeavors of his grandchildren, especially his love of tennis and basketball. Memorials preferred to St. Stephen Lutheran Church. Funeral service Tuesday 11 AM at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 8400 France Ave. S., Bloomington. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation 1 hour prior to service at church & also Monday 5-8PM at WERNESS BROTHERS 2300W Old Shakopee Rd 952-884-8145

Published on April 20, 2003