Daniel Allen

Daniel A. Allen was a man you could count on. Raised to be hard working and grateful for what he had, Dan consistently demonstrated his faithfulness and integrity in a myriad of ways. As a family man, a long-term employee, American Legion member, and even as a fan of the sad sack Detroit Lions, his loyalty was unwavering. He valued teamwork, community, and most of all, family.

Jacob Herman Allan, a Canadian immigrant to the U.S., established a new home for his family in Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with his wife, Mary (Stansbury). Jacob, a World War I veteran with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, was a carver at a local furniture factory. Mary managed their busy home, creating an atmosphere of safety and love for their children. It got twice as interesting when she and Jacob found out they were having twins. Siblings Irene, Edward, Murray, and Tom pitched in to help care for the matching bundles when Dan and Don arrived on January 17, 1932.

When Dan was six months old, the Allans moved back to Canada. The children attended school there and Dan completed high school through the 11th grade. Ready to enter the work force, Dan returned to the United States in order to find a job. He was a hard worker and hustled as a bowling pin setter at Wenger's Bowling Alley on the west side of Grand Rapids. He also worked at Maple Grove Dairy and decided to join the National Guard.

After being discharged from the Guard in May of 1950, he joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Missouri. His new home was an Iowa-class battleship that was larger than the Titanic and had the distinguished honor of being the site of Japan's unconditional World War II surrender on September 2, 1945. During Dan's years of service, the Missouri served as the Seventh Fleet Flagship on two Korean War combat tours and made several trips to Europe ferrying Naval Academy midshipmen for training activities. Dan was discharged in March of 1954.

After his military service ended, Dan took a job as a press operator at Knape & Vogt, a decision that would benefit his life in more ways than just paying his bills. A young lady named Dolores Chrisman worked in the KV stockroom. As Dan looked for opportunities to speak with her, he was quickly smitten and determined that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She consented to be his wife and they exchanged vows at a church in Rockford on November 6, 1954.

Their first home was an apartment on Stocking NW and the following year they bought their first and only house. Grand River Drive was soon overflowing with Allen kids as they welcomed David, Dennis, Debra, Dianne, Darla, Dawn, Doug, Danielle and Jason.

Dan worked at KV for forty years until his retirement in 1994. He supplemented his income by working for Lannings' Catering for many years. When he wasn't working or catching up with his grandchildren, Dan enjoyed golfing, bowling, billiards, and playing cards with friends. Dan loved to learn, especially about U.S. History, and often read books about U.S. involvement in various wars. He also loved reading westerns and sometimes indulged in a crime novel.

Dan always appreciated the camaraderie unique among military service personnel and was a member of the American Legion Post 47 for more than forty-five years. Sports was another arena where he recognized the importance of teamwork and skill. He was no fair-weather fan; he eagerly followed the Tigers and forlornly followed the Lions. Perhaps it was his respect for loyalty that fostered his love for dogs, particularly the one he had for many years.

There were a thousand tiny ways Dan showed how he felt about his loved ones. He was gentle with his children and loving toward his wife. There was no end to the spoiling of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They will most certainly miss him, but he left no question about his love for them, a fact that will comfort and strengthen them for years to come.

Daniel passed away Saturday, July 9, 2011. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Scott Michael Allen, and four siblings, Tom, Edward, Murray, and Irene. Surviving are his wife, Dolores; children, David, Dennis, Debra, Dianne, Darla, Dawn, Doug, Danielle, and Jason; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; a brother, Donald (Judy) Allen; in-laws, Dolly Allan, Ron and Eleanor Chrisman, Larry and Carol Chrisman, Glenda Didion, and Helen Chrisman; and many nieces and nephews.

Military Rites will be held Wednesday, July 13, at 2 p.m. at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes, Van Strien–Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. Following the service, everyone is invited to the American Legion Post 47. Please visit Daniel's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite photo or memory and sign the online guest register.