John Frederick Allen was born on March 18, 1947 in London, Minnesota. His parents were the late Harold “Dick” and Ruth Marie (Nelson) Allen. John graduated from Austin Central High School with the class of 1965. He received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota.
John was a “jack of all trades.” One of his first jobs was working for the U.S. Forest Service building campgrounds in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. This was when he fell in love with the North Shore. He then moved on to various construction projects and finally became project manager for wood manufacturing industries that took him to China, Mexico and various places around the United States. His love for the North Shore always brought him back to Minnesota. He became semi-retired and did odd jobs around the community and finally became a summer canoe guide for a local resort on the North Shore.
John resided in Schroeder. He could be seen walking, riding his bike or flying a kite around the area. He enjoyed attending blues and jazz festivals and was very talented at playing an array of instruments. John could often be found jamming with other musicians with his washtub bass fiddle. He also had a reputation as being the best dance partner on the North Shore.
On February 23, 2018 John passed away at 70 years of age. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding John in death were his parents. John is survived by his sisters: Sharon Schmeling (Tim Anderson) of Austin, Minnesota and Bonnie Moen (Al) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and their families. A special thank you goes to Cortney and her staff at Barross Manor in Two Harbors for the care and love they gave to John for the past two years.
A Celebration of Life for his North Shore friends will be held Saturday, June 30, at noon at the Schroeder Town Hall. Those who wish to attend are asked to bring their memories of John and a dish to pass. Brats and lemonade will be provided.
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