Carroll B. Allen, 86, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2016, surrounded by his adoring family.
He was born on Dec. 17, 1929, in Allegan to Bernath Carl and Marion Sadene Allen.
Carroll graduated from Allegan High School and then served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a man of quiet strength and good nature, and he had a delightfully unique way of turning a phrase.
His primary passion in life was his family, and he was an exceptionally devoted husband and father. He worked as an electrician at Menasha Corporation where he was well liked by his coworkers. Throughout his life he displayed a creative knack for solving problems, and could fix virtually anything.
Carroll lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: motorcycling with his son, watching his grandson play baseball, camping and spending time with his family. Recently he became interested in genealogy and learning more about his ancestry.
Christmas and any gathering that included his loved ones were especially cherished events for him. Carroll had an endearing chuckle and a marvelous sense of humor which he passed on to his children. He had a great generosity of spirit and never made an unkind comment about anyone. His life touched many people and the world is a better place for him having been in it.
Carroll is survived by his wife Jane; four children, Kimberly Allen, Kevin Allen (and wife Catherine), Bridget Allen (and Josh Rogers), and Jennifer Hayes (and husband Don); four stepsons, Tim Mohrland (and wife Melody), Kevin Mohrland (and wife Tammy), Chris Mohrland (and wife Tammy), and Matt Mohrland (and Angel See Day); 14 grandchildren, Meghan Cochran (and Alex Voorman), Kaitlin Allen (and Zach Bruursema), Dylan Cochran, Sean Conley (and Devyn Morris), Elizabeth Conley, Jacob Allen, Claire Allen, Ashley, Amber and Audrie Mohrland, Abbey Zajda and Cassie Mohrland, and Magen and Villas Wayne Mohrland; two great-grandchildren, Max Arjen Karel Voorman and Miles Fox Morris Conley; a niece, Lisa Berreth; two nephews, Bruce Tripp and Mark Tripp; and his dearly loved dachshund, Wheezie.
Carroll was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gloria Tripp; and two nieces, Candace and Susanne Tripp.
The Allen family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo for their attentiveness and loving care during the past week. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carroll’s name to the American Heart Association.
Friends and family are invited to gather memories and stories to share at the celebration of his life on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. Contact a family member for the location of the celebration.