John James Allen, Lt. Col. Ret. U.S. Army

John Allen crossed over into peace and joy on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at his home.  He was born in Brooklyn, NY to John and Elizabeth (Rooney) Allen.  He graduated from Fordham University in the Bronx, NY and entered the Army by way of ROTC.  He served a tour in Korea, 2 tours in Viet Nam and taught ROTC at North Dakota State University.  He continued to serve in the Army Reserves as a West Point Recruiter while acquiring his Masters Degree in the addiction field.  He was a counselor and then director of the program at St John’s Hospital in Fargo and then on to become Director of North Dakota Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse.  His final years of service were spent teaching Addiction Counseling at Minot State University.  He greatly appreciated living where he could enjoy the great outdoors hunting and fishing with family and friends.  In his later years John enjoyed reading mystery novels and cheering for the Vikings.

John is survived by his wife, Veronica (Gallagher) Allen; 7 children, Veronica Reeves, Elizabeth Allen, John Henry (Debbie) Allen, Andrew (Wanda) Allen, Kevin (Julie) Allen, Colleen (Tim) Ref and Padraig (Kim) Allen; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Michael (Char) Allen.

Interment with Military Honors will be held at a later date at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.  The family thanks you for all your prayers.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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