James F. Allen

Larchwood, Iowa James Allen, age 85 of Larchwood, IA died Monday, May 2, 2011 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, May 6th at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA, with Fr. Jeff Schleisman and Deacon Jeff Gallagher Concelebrating. Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Alvord, IA. Visitation will be Thursday, May 5th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood. Also there will be a 7:00 PM Vigil service at the church Thursday evening. Jurrens Funeral Home of Larchwood is in charge of services. Memorial may be directed to the Dougherty Hospice House of Sioux Falls. James F. Allen was born in Alvord, IA on April 24, 1926 to Clem and Vera (Lawler) Allen. He attended Alvord School until his senior year and graduated from Rock Rapids. He worked on the family farm for 10 years. He married Mary Anne Magnuson on July 17, 1954 at the Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD. They were lucky enough to have enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Jim started his career in accounting, working for several different companies over the years. He ended his career by working 15 years for Prostrollos in Madison, SD. He then retired and the couple spent the last 23 years in Larchwood, IA. In his younger years Jim was a very talented horseshoe pitcher, winning many tournaments and awards. Dad always enjoyed a good game of cards. We are comforted knowing that his son Paul was waiting for him with a deck of cards in his hands. He was also well known for his dry sense of humor and one liners. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Anne of Larchwood, IA; children, Jean (Steve) McGee of Sioux Falls, SD, Kathie (Al) Lewis of Madison, SD, Barb (Paul) Wilson of Goodyear, AZ, Larry (Lori) Allen of Madison, SD, John (Sharon) Allen of Sioux Falls, SD, Terri (Tim) Preston of Omaha, NE and Joe (Brooke) Allen of Omaha, NE; daughter-in-law, Patty Allen of Worthing, SD; special nephew, Tom (Susan) Krier of San Diego, CA; brother, Joe (Betty) Allen of Kansas City, MO; 17 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul Allen; sisters, Catherine Kippley, Peggy Schreurs, Joan Krier and Julie Van Houten.