Robert Allen

Robert Allen, 85, Fargo, ND joined his loving wife in heaven on Saturday, September 1, 2012, at St. Gabriel's Community Nursing Home, Bismarck, ND. Robert James Allen, "RJ," and his twin sister, Betty, were born on August 24, 1927, at St. John's Hospital in Fargo, ND. Their parents were Bert and Hannah (Erbstoesser) Allen from Leonard, ND. At the age of 2, the family moved to Dunkerton, Iowa, and later to Hudson, Iowa. Bob attended schools in Dunkerton and Hudson. He joined the navy in 1944-1945. He always joked he was a "sailor with no sea." After receiving an honorable discharge from the service, he moved back to Leonard, ND and worked on his uncle's farm where he met his future "bride-to-be." Robert married Violet M. Buchholz on June 6, 1948, at Canaan Moravian Church near Davenport, ND. They made their home near Durbin for a couple of years before moving to the Arthur, ND area. After working for Fred Williams for six years, in 1957, Bob moved his family to the Fargo-Moorhead area where he operated Bob's Transfer for 2 years followed by employment for 15 years at United Buckingham Trucking. Bob decided to venture into starting his own trucking business in 1972; he owned RJ Allen & Sons Trucking from 1972-1996. Violet and Robert built their home in 1959 in Fargo where they resided the remaining years of their lives. They enjoyed many relationships with friends and neighbors throughout the years. RJ moved to Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo in 2010 and after Violet died in May of 2012, he moved to St. Gabriel's Community in Bismarck to be closer to family. While residing at St. Gabriel's Community, a lifelong dream of his came to fruition. On his 85th birthday, dressed in goggles, doo rag, and a motorcycle T-shirt, Bob was given his first ever motorcycle ride by members of ABATE, Freedom Riders, and the Patriot Honor Guard. Twenty motorcycles paraded down Washington Street in Bismarck to the Dairy Queen for ice cream cones. There's no way anyone could wipe the smile off his face when he returned to St. Gabriel's Community. Bob's motorcycle ride touched the hearts of so many on that sunny afternoon. Robert dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His hobbies included fishing and hunting. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Fargo. Robert is survived by 5 children, Charlotte Swenson, Peoria, AZ, Cheryl (Wayne) Huber, Bismarck, ND, Craig Allen, Moorhead, MN, Cary (Lori) Allen, Bismarck, and Carla (Roger) Norton, Kindred, ND; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Lea (Chris) Byram and children, Cole & Kara, Brian (Cheryl) Swenson and daughter, Amanda, Trish (Cole) Berreth and children, Brant & Nora, Troy (Jessica) Huber, Taylor Olson, Amy and Jessica Allen, Stephanie and Zachary Norton; one twin sister, Betty (Al) Strubel, Waterloo, Iowa, one half brother, Clinton (LaVerle) Erbstoesser, Hunter, ND, and two "extra special cousins, Jack (JoAnn) Erbstoesser and Dean Allen, and many nieces and nephews. RJ was preceded in death by his parents; step mother, Mary Allen; wife, Violet; and son-in-law, John Swenson. Visitation: Friday, September 7, 2012 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND. Funeral: Saturday at 10:30 AM at West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo with visitation one hour prior and reception to follow. Burial: Watson Cemetery, rural Leonard, ND. Condolences can be sent by clicking on "Sign the Guestbook" to the right of the obituary.