Steven Lee Allen

Mr. Steve Allen of Little Falls; formerly of Rush City passed away Monday, June 29, 2015 at the Veterans Medical Center in Minneapolis at the age of 54. Steve Allen was born on November 16, 1960 to Clarence Sr. and Elaine Allen at the University Hospital in Minneapolis. Steve grew up in Rush City, Minnesota on the property known to the family as “The 80”. When Steve was very young his father passed away, leaving the majority of parental responsibility to his siblings. The 1980’s were life changing years for Steve; he met and married Renee Gardner of Pine City, Minnesota. This was also the year he joined the Navy and became a Seabee. Steve and Renee’s adventurous journey started with Boot Camp in San Diego, California. From boot camp Steve was stationed at Port Hueneme, California. It was while stationed in Oxnard their daughter Jamie was born in late 1981. When Jamie was two months old Steve was deployed to Puerto Rico, and his family went with him, what a beautiful experience that was. Once that deployment assignment was done the family moved back to California living in Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Camarillo, just to name a few. In 1983, Steve was deployed to Okinawa Japan for 9 months. He enjoyed the cultural experience and became quite the photographer. It was during this time his second daughter Valerie was born. Upon returning from Okinawa, he was reassigned to Great Lakes Naval Base which became his home. In 1987, during the construction of the new United States Embassy in Cairo Egypt, Steve was employed as the lead inspector. His primary responsibility was to ensure there were no bombs or explosive devices were planted within the structure and building site. No matter where Steve was assigned he always performed above and beyond, he always made rank. In 1988 Steve was again stationed in California. Unfortunately, Steve and Renee’s marriage ended in1990; this was very difficult time for Steve and his family. After deciding to retire from his military career, Steve moved back to Rush City to be close to his daughters, nieces and nephews. It was in Rush City he enjoyed hiking and camping on “The 80”, fishing, cruising around visiting family and friends. Steve purchased a home on Crooked Lake in Siren, Wisconsin. Many memories and everyone enjoyed paddle boating, otter attacks, nice swims on the beach, BBQ’s, spending time with the weekenders. In the winter there was ice fishing; this is when Jamie and Valerie ice skated for the very first time. Steve was the first to own a big screen TV and the family enjoyed many good movies together. Steve was very much interested in technology and photography and in 1983 he was one of the first to own his own computer. He was also an entrepreneur and had a limousine service and was a band manager. In 2008 Steve became unable to live on his own and was eventually placed in an assisted living facility in Little Falls, Minnesota. While living at the facility Steve very much enjoyed the peaceful beautiful area and made many new friends. Steve battled several illnesses over a long period of time; it was the need for multiple medications that created Steve’s final battle with cirrhosis of the liver. Steve Allen is survived by his daughters Jamie Allen of Hibbing, Valerie Allen of Mpls, grandson Chase Bjorklund of Pine City, former wife Renee Allen of Pine City, siblings Judy Allen Huston and husband Carl of Rush City, Roger Allen and wife Sandy of Grasston, Clarence Allen and wife Darla of Grantsburg, sister-in-law Pat Allen of Onamia, brother-in-law Terry Smuder and wife Debbie of Rush City and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Steve is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Elaine Allen, siblings Dwight Allen, Vida Mae Allen, Jan Smuder and Larry Allen. Funeral services for Steve are scheduled for; 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2015 at the Olson Chapel of Rush City. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for Thursday from 5:00 ~ 8:00 p.m. at the Olson Chapel in Rush City. Due to the 4th of July holiday, the interment will take place 1:45 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2015 in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota with Military Honors. Funeral arrangements for Steve Allen of Little Falls; formerly of Rush City are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com