Colonel John Edward Allen, US Army retired. Born in Marshfield Wisconsin on December 31, 1946, son of the late Lisle and Virginia (Gesme) Allen. John passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, after a hard fought, 8-year battle with thyroid cancer. John grew up in West Allis, moving to Greendale prior to his junior year in high school. After graduation from high school, John volunteered for the Army draft and completed Infantry Basic and Advanced training. He was selected for and completed Officer Candidate School, receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in December 1966. In the early spring of 1967 John attended the Jungle Warfare Training Center conducted in Panama. As was anticipated, he was deployed to Vietnam the following month serving as a Platoon Leader for the first half of his tour. Following the TET Offensive, he volunteered for a military intelligence assignment with the Military Assistance Command, Studies and Observations Group (MACV SOG). He returned to the states and Fort Wainwright Alaska to command a unit of the 171st Infantry Brigade. He was released from Active Duty in April of 1972 to pursue a degree in Business utilizing benefits of the GI Bill. While going to school, he worked in a full-time capacity with the Army Reserve.

In the fall of 1976 John was called back to active duty. His last assignment was with Second Army Headquarters located in Atlanta Georgia. He served as Regional Military Emergency coordinator for the Southeastern United States, and as Chief, plans and operations division. Colonel Allen was awarded the Legion of Merit upon his retirement in February 1992. His service to his country exceeded 26 years. After retiring from the Army, John utilized his education in business by working the next 13 years in both Sales and Plant Management positions for National Bedding Company (Serta). He ended his employment in 2005, at age 58. He then spent the next year traveling the country by motor home / Harley motorcycle. John is survived by his sister Gay (Jerry) Jackson; brothers James (Kathy) Allen; Jeffrey ( Sue) Allen; and Thomas (Patti) Allen. John is also survived by his children; Tim Allen, Tracy (Rex) Greene, Tony Allen; former spouse and loving mother of his children; Marilyn Allen; grandchildren; Cassandra Watson, Hunter Ladwig; and numerous nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents; son; Todd Allen; and daughter-in-law Christine Allen. A committal service with full Military Honors will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, WI, 53182, at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in John's name to Tunnels to Towers Foundation at donationsupport@t2t.org or 2361 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, NY 10306. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Allen family. Additional information pertaining to COL Allen and an online guestbook can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com

Tunnels to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306
Web: http://www.donationsupport@t2t.org