John Lamar Allen

The family moved to Platte, SD when he was eight years old. John was a member of the Platte High School class of 1956. He earned his BS from Southern State Teachers College, Springfield, SD and his Masters degree in chemistry from the University of South Dakota.

An avid sportsman, he gained his appreciation of the outdoors while working on his uncles farm. While in school John, worked as a mechanic, a teaching assistant, and swimming instructor. He had a 31 year career as an analytical chemist beginning with the FDA in Minneapolis and continuing with the Fish and Wildlife Service in Warm Springs, GA and La Crosse, WI. He authored more than 50 peer reviewed scientific publications. After retiring, he fulfilled his dream, by teaching chemistry and math at WWTC and UW-L.

John served as an officer in local sections of the American Chemical Society in Minneapolis, Alabama, and La Crosse. He served on church councils at Messiah Lutheran Church, Mounds View, MN, Redeemer Lutheran, Columbus, GA and Prince of Peace Lutheran, La Crescent, MN. He coached and was on the board of La Crescent Area Youth Hockey Association. John served on the Stewardship, Hunger, and Fix-It-Fellows committees at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He was a volunteer for the Fishery Resources Offices, US Fish Wildlife Service; and formerly was a member of the La Crescent Lions Club.

Following September 11, 2001, the Allens became volunteers with the American Red Cross, serving in Blood and Disaster Services. He served on eight Disaster Relief Operations, beginning with Hurricane Katrina. Together with his wife, he received The Lorraine Frey Award and the 2011 Coulee Region Volunteer Coordinator Award for participation in Red Cross activities, and the 2005 All Star Award given by the La Crescent Lions and Rotary Clubs.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband who cared very deeply for his family, church and community.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 6th, at 11:00 a.m., at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 21 No. Hill St., La Crescent. Pastor Barb Kopperud and Pastor Mike Woods will officiate. Burial will take place in Prince of Peace Lutheran Cemetery, La Crescent. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 111 So. Oak St., La Crescent, and at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the time of services.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to American Red Cross, LaCrescent Food Shelf, LaCrescent Fire Department, or American Cancer Society.