Genevieve T. Allen

Genevieve T. Allen, age 97, of Iron River, MI, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017 at her home. She was born March 21, 1919 in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of the late Edward Henry and Minnie Anna Frederika (Frase) Mills. She attended the Milwaukee Schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in Milwaukee. Following graduation, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at Milwaukee State Teacher’s College and her Master’s Degree in linguistics at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Gen was an active member of many educational organizations and the honor sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma. Genevieve married the love of her life, Myron ”Bud” Allen on July 2, 1942 in Sherman, TX. She then became a devoted military wife. While stationed in Sherman, Gen and Bud became the proud parents of twin sons, Terry and Barry. Gen began her career teaching first grade in the American School in Japan during the occupation following World War II. She continued teaching while stationed in Germany. Upon return to the United States, she was employed as a teacher for Arlington County Schools for 23 years. There, her expertise led her into the position of principal. Upon retirement in 1976, Gen and Bud moved to his birth place, the Iron River area. She embraced this as her home for forty years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Iron River and a member of the Elks Lodge Auxiliary. Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband, Myron in 1985, son, Barry Dean Allen, brothers, Edward Henry and Richard William, and sisters, Margarete Minnie and Bernice Julia, granddaughter, Angela Allen Kulesha. She is survived by her son, Terry Dale Allen and wife Carolyn of Texas; granddaughter, Michelle Westfall and husband Scott of Virginia; four great grandchildren, Harrison, Nicholas, and Jacquelyn Westfall and Collin Allen Kulesha; nieces, nephews and extended family. The family thanks all who cared for Gen over the years. Special thanks goes to Dr. Robert Han, Rev. Clayton Parcels and wife Marilyn, Ron Allen and wife Sharon, Jeanne and Jane Bonetti, Patty Cowell, Allen Lindstrom, Pastor Dawn Treado, and caregiver, Ramona “Mona” Thornton. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. James Swanson II to officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Iron River. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Genevieve T. Allen, please visit our flower store.