Allen, Hiliary Penwarren -- 1911 - 2006

ALLEN, GAGEN, BUNGE, DISON, DEUFEL, SCHNEIDER, SCHIEFFER, HANSON, HUSEBY

Posted By: Barry M. Dahl (email)
Date: 12/13/2010 at 14:54:40

From the Harmony News - Mabel Record, of November 23, 2006

Hiliary P. Allen, 95, of Caledonia died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006, at his home.

Hiliary Penwarren Allen was born Jan. 17, 1911, to Albert and Agnes (Gagen) Allen in Newburg Township, Fillmore county. The family moved to Caledonia in 1919, where he graduated from St. John's High School.

On Nov. 11, 1937, he married Laura Bunge in Winona, Minn.

In 1930, he purchased his farm and was a purebred Jersey breeder. At that time, his family began their dairy processing and delivery business. In 1939, he introduced the pasteurizing process, a phase of dairying which he pioneered in this area.

A few years later, the plant expanded to the homogenizing process and continued to operate as a full dairy until 1980. He continued to manage his farm until his death.

He had been politically active in the Democratic Party since 1934. In 1944, he helped to organize the Democratic Farm Labor Party, was a charter member of that group and held many offices throughout the years.

Of his many interest, the Knights of Columbus held a special place in his life. He held most all of the local offices, served as the district deputy and was the Minnesota representative to the Supreme Council. His proudest project in the KC's was the organization of the district and regional basketball free throw tournaments for school children and wining a national title.

He was an avid horseman. He enjoyed thoroughbred horses and was active in local saddle clubs.

Survivors include two sons Thomas (Elaine) of La Crosse, Wis., and Michael (Mary) Viroqua, Wis.; two daughters Sharon (Lauren) Dison of Rochster, and Joni (Joe) Deufel) of Austin; one brother Stanley (Arvilla) of Cresco, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a daughter, Carol Schneider; a grandson, David Huseby; and three sisters; Sr. Mary Lorraine, OSF, Theresa Scheiffer and Audrey Hanson.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Caledonia. The Rev. Gregory Leif officiating and burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia.

Memorials can be given to Semcac Food Shelf, St. Mary's Church or the Knights of Columbus.

McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, assisted the family with arrangements.