MANKATO, MN -- John Lee Allen, formerly of Emmetsburg, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. He was 76.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, Nov. 12, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 423 West 7th Street, Mankato, MN. A Memorial Service will follow at 12 noon. Interment will be later at Memorial Park Cemetery in Austinville, IA.
John was born on March 30, 1946, in Waterloo, to Patricia and Rex Allen. He was raised by his Grandparents Timothy and Edna Dolan in Waterloo. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Columbus High School.
He married the love of his life, Sarah Wade on July 26, 1971. They enjoyed 48 years of marriage until her death in 2019 and he missed her every day that followed.
John worked for many years at the John Deere Company in Waterloo. In 1976, he moved his family to the Albany, MN area where he worked in manufacturing. In 1981, the family moved to Mankato where he became Security Manager at Kmart and later worked as a Police Officer in Eagle Lake and Mankato. He was honored as “Part Time Police Officer of the Year” in 1992.
Later, he served as Head of Investigations at Mystic Lake Casino, and Head of Surveillance at Wild Rose Casino. After his retirement, he was employed by the LCWM School District and Garden City Township.
John enjoyed time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, the outdoors, his dogs, and spending time at the lake. He will be remembered for his incredible laugh and friendly personality.
John is survived by his children Liz (Kent) Thiesse, Fritz (Nancy) Schneider, Robin (Tim) Vaughan, Jon Allen, Tina (Darrell) Watkins, Todd (Bobbie) Maxson, Heidi McCarthy (partner Michael Coberly); 20 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren.
