Russ Allen

In 1943, Russ enlisted in the Navy and attended officers’ training at Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio as well as Columbia University in NY. In WWII, he served as an officer on the USS Nevada in Okinawa followed by the USS Vicksburg at San Diego. In 1949, he graduated with a degree in forestry from Iowa State at Ames. Russ was recalled from 1950-1953 for the Korean conflict serving as a lieutenant at GITMO Guantanamo Bay Cuba. He continued to serve in the Naval Reserve at the Duluth station retiring as a full Commander in 1966.

Russ attended elementary and high school in Mason City, Iowa and married Genevieve (Gen) Elizabeth Olson on March 19, 1949.

His career in forestry began near Two Harbors, MN with the J.C. Campbell Company. From 1954-1964, he worked in sales and wood procurement for the Halvorson Tree Company. In 1964, he joined the Timber Producers Association, retiring in 1990 as Executive Vice President. With the TPA, he also served as a forest industry lobbyist in the legislature in St Paul for many years as well as the host for the Minnesota Logging show. Russ’ career in forestry allowed him to make many great friendships which he thoroughly enjoyed over the years.

Russ was an avid outdoorsman, never missing a Minnesota deer season. He also enjoyed many fishing trips over the years with Gen, family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Lorna Allen, step-mother, Valera Allen, and brothers, Gerald and Ed Allen; and brother-in-law, Harry Pringnitz.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Gen; his children, Tim (Kay) Allen, Steve (Cuc) Allen, Deb (Gregg) Severinson, Linda(Paul) Marshall, 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, June Pringnitz; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Allen and Kelly Qualls.

Visitation will be from 11:00a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. Noon Funeral Service on Monday, February 4, 2019 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1325 N. 45th Ave. E., Duluth. Memorials are preferred to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd or the American Heart Association. Please leave a memory of Russ or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com