Allen Edward Alto

1945 - 2025

Allen Edward Alto

Allen Edward Alto passed away in his home in Grand Rapids just days before reaching his 80th birthday. He was born on July 11, 1945, to Clifford Alto and Sadie Schumacher (nee Sinkola) in Deer River, Minnesota.

Allen grew up in Deer River and graduated from Deer River High School in 1963. After school he moved to California, where he married his high school sweetheart Sandra Lee Bartick in 1965. They moved back to Deer River in 1966 and had three children together. For a portion of their 11-year marriage, he owned a bait shop called "Al's Bait" on Highway 38. He worked for the Blandin Paper Company for 23 years, eventually as a pipefitter, but he left the mill to pursue a dream job in Alaska serving as the captain for a commercial salmon fishing company, in which he was a partner. He went to Alaska for 12 summers, and he truly enjoyed his time at the fishing camp and the lifestyle it offered. In the winter of 1993-94, he worked at the South Pole during their summer, where the temperature never got above zero. These two unique jobs gave him endless stories that he loved to share with people. After the South Pole, he owned a portable sawmill and did custom sawing for many years. During his life, he was an avid trapper, hunter, and fisherman. He also had a passion for woodworking and made many artistic pieces, including furniture, snowshoes, lamps, cutting boards, and spoons.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother.

He is survived by his siblings Louise Grover and Lynn Schumacher; children Aaron (Teresa) Alto, Beth-Ann (Todd) Alto-Pederson, and Stephanie (Lee) Kessler; and grandchildren William, Sarah, and Az.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 24, 5-7 p.m. at his daughter Stephanie's home in Deer River. Anyone who knew Allen is welcome to join us and celebrate him.