Jack Carl Allen (2010)

ALLEN, CLEARY, HAMPTON, HOLMQUIST, KELLEY, OGLESBEE

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 12/22/2010 at 14:03:12

Isanti County News, Isanti County, Minnesota
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Jack Carl Allen, 74, of North Branch Minn., formerly of Murray, Iowa, entered Heaven on February 1, 2010.

Jack was born November 30, 1935 in Winterset, Iowa to Bernard and Rose (Boatwright) Allen. He grew up in West Des Moines. At the age of 12, he accepted Jesus as his Savior. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1954. Following high school, Jack moved to Chicago where he attended Emmaus Bible School. During this time, he met Vivian Anderson on a blind date. The two fell in love and on August 31, 1957 were married. To this union three children were born: Dawn, Karen and Gregg.

Jack and Vivian moved to Minnesota where Jack was a successful salesman of lighting supplies for several years. In 1971 the couple began working together as house parents at a residential treatment center for boys. Before his retirement, Jack worked as a custodian at Murray Community School in Iowa, where he quickly became a favorite with the students.

Jack was a gentle man who loved to tease and joke. He had several interests including memorizing Scripture, reading, studying the Bible, collecting and polishing agates, writing poetry, gardening, telling jokes, playing board and card games, traveling, watching sports and fishing.

Above all, Jack put God first in his life. He was a summer missionary in the Bahamas, taught adult Sunday School classes, served as a deacon, worked with church youth groups, helped plant a church and was dedicated to sharing his faith in Christ.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived by his wife Vivian; children Dawn (Rick) Holmquist, Gregg Allen; grandchildren Bethany (Justin) Cleary, Seth Holmquist, Tabitha Holmquist; brother Darrell (Marlys) Allen; sisters Rosalie (Ronald) Hampton, Sue (Mack) Oglesbee; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Karen Allen; parents Bernard and Rose Allen; brother Bernard Sonny Boy Allen; and sister Dorothy Kelley.

A celebration of Jacks life and entrance into Heaven was held on Feb. 6 at the Villages of North Branch. Interment was held at the Oakwood Cemetery of Mora.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Rock Ingebrand Funeral Home of Braham. Condolences may be posted at www.aifuneralhome.com