Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Rans Funeral Homes
Dean E. Allen, a resident of Star City, Indiana, passed away on February 27, 2024, at the age of 78, at his vacation home on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Butternut, Wisconsin. He was born on March 23, 1945, and was the son of Ralph and Lena Allen, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara (Chambers) Allen, together they shared a beautiful journey of companionship and love.
Dean’s devotion to his family was unwavering, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him. He was a loving father to his children: Jim Allen, married to Chandra (Goodrich) of Cloquet, MN; Janette (Allen) Moore, married to Chris Moore of Wabash, IN; and Anita (Allen) Caskey, married to Nate Caskey of Minneapolis, MN.
Dean was a cherished grandfather to Elizabeth (Moore) Wickware, Isaiah Wickware, Jordan Allen, Amelia Allen, Madeline Moore, Gage Allen, Ellis Allen, Preston Moore, Piper Caskey, Malin Caskey, and Fletcher Caskey. His love, wisdom, and stories will continue to resonate through the lives of his grandchildren. He is also survived by his Exchange Student Son, Antonio Ruis Risueno (Patricia) and their children Luna and Antonio of Madrid, Spain.
In addition to his parents, Dean is preceded in death by his in-laws, Harold and Dorothy Jane Chambers, and his brother, Richard Allen. He is survived by his brothers Tim (Cris) Allen, Tom (Becky) Allen, and sister-in-law, Shelia (Rick) Allen, as well as numerous, loving nieces and nephews and their families.
Dean’s life was rich with love and laughter, centered around his family and friends (and fishing). He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, including fishing, delving into the pages of a good book, creating ‘farm-fixes’, exploring new destinations, and most of all, spending quality time with his loved ones and watching his grandchildren grow.
Dean, a retired farmer, was a graduate of Star City High School and Purdue University where he earned a degree in agricultural engineering. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Throughout his life Dean was involved in a multitude of organizations and activities resulting in lifelong friendships. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, serving as the co-founder of the AGR Ag Rep program and co-creator of the infamous AGR Barnyard Brawl at the Purdue University chapter. He was also a longstanding member of the Odd Fellows of Winamac. Dean formerly served as a school board member at the Pioneer Regional School Corporation and as a member of the Pulaski-White Rural Telephone Company. Dean also enjoyed participating in a trap shooting league in Wisconsin.
Dean’s memory will forever be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warm smile, gentle demeanor, infectious laugh, and zest for life will be deeply missed.
Two celebrations of life are planned in places Dean loved: the family farm in Indiana and his fishing grounds in Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dean at the Allen Family Farm in Star City on Saturday, April 20 beginning at noon. A memorial neighborhood “board meeting” will occur on Saturday, July 6 at 3:30 pm at The Midway near the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Butternut, Wisconsin.
In honor of Dean’s memory, the family requests that donations are made to
- Star City Volunteer Fire Department
- Town of Mercer Volunteer Fire Department – Station 24
- Pulaski Fest-A-Mill (Pulaski Christmas Lights)
- Mayo Clinic
Dean’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, as we carry forward the lessons he taught, the stories he told, and the love he shared with us all.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.