Date of Birth:
Sunday, June 23, 1940
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Age:
80 years old

Kenneth Curtis Allen

Kenneth Curtis Allen, age 80, of Rochester, MN passed peacefully at home on March 27^th after a long brave battle with Parkinson’s and cancer.

Ken was born in Wabasha on June 23^rd, 1940.  He was raised by his grandparents on a farm near Marion.  At the age of 9, he was chopping wood when he accidently split open his leg.  With no hospital near by he had to tape it up and finish his chores.

At 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army with the promise of being stationed in Alaska. Instead, he was sent to Hawaii and was there for the Statehood Parade in 1959.  After two years in Hawaii, he was sent to Kansas.  While on leave and visiting Rochester, he met the love of his life (cruising Broadway) Karen Thornton.  He would hitchhike from his base in Kansas to visit her on weekends.

They married on August 25^th, 1962.  Ken and Karen enjoyed 56 years of marriage before Karen was taken too soon in September 2018.  They raised three children Kelly, Kevin, and Kyle.  He was a kind, loving, amazing father.

Ken was hardworking.  20 years at the Mayo Clinic, 18 years with Rochester Public Utilities and 20 plus years in the Minnesota National Guard that included several trips to Norway.

Ken was adventurous.  He had a passion for the Boundary Waters, fishing, camping, and riding his motorcycle.  In his retirement years he enjoyed taking military flights to Puerto Rico, Alaska, and California.  He loved to winter in Yuma, AZ.  He was an active member at the Church of the Resurrection since its inception in 1967.

In his final 2 ½ years he visited all 75 State Parks in Minnesota (for the 2^nd time).  He flew to Laughlin 4 times, took a bucket list Hawaiian cruise and traveled over 35,000 miles through 19 states with a stop at every casino along the way.  He took his Grandkids to Disney World just before the pandemic.  He was happiest spending time with his Great Grandkids.

When you asked Ken how he was he would often respond “Humble, intelligent and good looking”.

In his final week he was surrounded by his army buddies, family and friends.  Crucial thanks to Dr. Luke and the Mayo Hospice team Amy, Kim and ChiChi.

A service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 5^th at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston followed by a reception at his home in Rochester.