Andrews Allen Obituary

Andrews "Andy" Allen

Laquinta - Andrews "Andy" Allen, age 95, passed away on January 3, 2019. Preceded in death by his brothers Francis and Henry and by Marjorie his beloved wife of 57 years. He is survived by sister Katharine children Chip (Barbara), Genie, John (Nell), Phil (Suzy) by nine grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Andy was born in Chicago, IL and grew up in Glencoe. He earned 10 varsity letters and graduated from New York Military Academy in 1940 then attended Syracuse University. At 20, he became a commissioned officer in the US Army and in August, 1944 landed in France as a First Lieutenant in the 7th Armored Division of Patton's Third Army. He was promoted to Captain and led a Company of the 48th Armored Infantry in their drive across Europe. He was awarded two Purple Hearts. For the actions of his Company he was given the French Croix de Guerre and the Silver Star at Verdun. Pinned on him personally by General Patton.

Following WWII, he earned a degree in journalism at the University of WI while rowing for the Badger's 1946 national championship eight-man crew. He met Marjorie in Madison on a blind date. The two were married and moved to St. Paul for Andy's first job at 3M. Through neighborhood connections, club memberships and service groups, they built a vast circle of life-long friends with whom they would golf, ski, square dance, play cards, travel and create memories. Andy's irreverent humor and gregarious style paired well with Marge's selfless nurturing. He branched out into real estate development in the 1960s. His buildings in MN included Kellogg Square and the White Bear Country Inn, he built other projects in MI, the Dakotas and CO.

Andy enjoyed family life, leading his children and friends on ski and golf vacations from Duluth to Scotland. Their treasured second home in LaQuinta, CA brought new friendships and became a haven for friends, family and spring breakers. "GroPa" would act as patriarch and regale grandchildren with stories and enjoy their laughter. But be aware, if he buttonholed you in private conversation, you had better be prepared to update him on your current life plan. Golf was Andy's passion, he once played to a scratch handicap, won club championships and shot a record 29 on the back nine at North Oaks. He loved "hunting God's creatures" unfortunately, his shooting prowess did not match his other athletic gifts. For him the experience was about being with his fellow hunters, not about the hunt.

Andy served as the Mayor of Dellwood, MN, President of North Oaks and LaQuinta Country Clubs, MN Golf Association and the Bob Hope Desert Classic. He participated in Rotary, Gyro, St. Paul Winter Carnival, Toastmasters, the Republican Party and Bible study.

In later years his joy for life was renewed through his friendship with Harriet Norgren. They attended social events, played competitive rounds of golf and gin rummy. She would patiently endure watching Andy's cherished Badgers on television. Our deepest and heart felt thank you to his care teams in Amery, St Therese, Life Spark, and HealthEast.

Services will be held on January 25, 11:00 a.m., at St John in the Wilderness, White Bear Lake, MN. A visitation will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Boys and Girls of the Twin Cities and Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, or to First Tee of the Twin Cities.

Published by The Desert Sun on Jan. 20, 2019.
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As neighbors at Boutwells Landing, we loved Andy. He will be missed.

Ken Quickel

February 6, 2019

Gail

January 30, 2019

a loved one

January 23, 2019

Uncle Andy, All I can do is smile when I think of you and of all our family memories. Love you forever. Niece Susan and Husband Dave and our two boys, Dave and Greg.

Susan Niggel

Family

January 24, 2019

With deep sympathy we share your sorrow. Our prayers are with the family.

carolyn

January 23, 2019

He was the best!!!

Dave Seitz Jr

Friend

January 22, 2019

What a life he lived!! Our family sends our sympathy to Andy's children and our condolences to Jesus having to listen to Andy on a regular basis. Love to you all,

Larry, Patty, Katie, and Brent Barnacle

January 22, 2019

I was lucky enough to go on a couple of golf trips with Andy. Great guy who loved Golf. Wonderful life. He'll be missed. Mike Cleland

Mike Cleland

January 19, 2019

To the family and friends of Andrew Allen,
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences. May the God of all comfort give you strength and peace while your enduring this tragic loss. May you find comfort in the memories you all share.

January 19, 2019

My condolence to the family. May you find great hope in 1 Corinthians 15:26 and help you to endure in these difficult moments.

January 17, 2019

Dear Allen Family, Andy was a special person to me. It was an honor to journey with your parents through their last few years and play golf with your dad at Hillcrest, a promise I made to your mom before she died. Andy had a compassionate heart for all. The thought of him brings a smile and warms my heart. Your parents passed on their beliefs that all are welcome, give back to the community and help others who don't have the resources or connections that they had. Marge and Andy believed in the power of education and kept learning new things and exploring the world every day. The work they did for the MN Science Museum and other entities to help children was remarkable and a great legacy. They are true examples of what it means to live a Christian life. Rest in peace, dear Andy! May you and Marge and the throngs of angels watch over the rest of us, giving us a nudge when we need it! with love and deep gratitude,
Rev. Joanie and Jim Delamater

Joanie Delamater

January 16, 2019

Dear Allen siblings,

Your father was truly someone to be reckoned with!! One of my first casual meetings with him was the 4th of July parade on Manitou Island. He was sitting next to me as a fairly new bride and turned and said "why aren't your toenails painted?" Hah!! To this day I haven't much of a hankering to paint my toenails!!

Your dad lead the fitness center for years in very active attendance with his mouth and muscles.

The other stand-out feature was his sport coats. Dick named one of his summer sport coats the Andy Allen coat!!

Andy was a guest at our home in St. Paul for Jean Ambler's 80th birthday. His words of faith and spiritual commitment were touching and honest.

Sending my love,
Nancy Nicholson

January 15, 2019

a loved one

January 14, 2019

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25

Visitation

St John in the Wilderness

White Bear Lake, MN

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25

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11:00 a.m.

St John in the Wilderness

White Bear Lake, MN

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