JOHN ALLEN

John Caleb Allen passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Wednesday evening, October 24, 2018.  He was surrounded by his family who love him deeply and miss him dearly.  He was born on May 9, 1926 in London, England to Caleb William Allen and Dorothy Eliza Allen (nee Smith). Preceded in death by his parents and sister Peggy, he is survived by Dorothy, his loving wife of 63 years, three children:  Dr. Susan (Michael Sajbel) Allen, Menasha, Peter (Margaret) Allen, Neenah, and Elizabeth Allen Klutz, Sale, UK, and nine grandchildren, Anastasia, Catherine and Ben Sajbel, John (Lauren) Allen, Sarah (Justin) Young, Claire Allen, Austin, Eliot, and Nathaniel Klutz.

By God's providence he survived childhood disease and a traumatic accident. He lived in London with his family through the war years of 1939-1945, experiencing first-hand the nightly terrors of the German Blitz.  Through it all, he survived and thrived; in many ways shaped by the hardships of his youth.

The son of a car dealer, and the grandson of a horse trader, he was the first in his family to attend university.  Having a love of mechanical things from an early age, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from London University in 1946.  He was a skilled machinist, and loved to work with his hands.

He served in the British Army from 1946 to 1948.  He met Dorothy Kirkwood in 1953 and they married in 1955.  He was a devoted husband and father, always putting aside his own interests to serve the needs of his family. 

He joined Cellucotton Products (Later Kimberly-Clark Limited) in Aylesford, Kent (UK) in October, 1955.  In 1970, he accepted a position with Kimberly-Clark Corporation in Neenah.  The move proved permanent, and in 1980 both John and Dorothy were proud to become American citizens.

John retired from Kimberly-Clark in 1991 after more than 35 years of service.  During his career with K-C he traveled extensively, helping establish operations in new locations throughout the world.  He was loved and respected for his helpful demeanor and practical approach.

A member of Calvary Bible Church in Neenah since the early 1970s, he served in many capacities, including more than 15 years in a volunteer role as Minister of Missions.  Those under his care were well-served by his global awareness and his personal attention to their needs and a detailed understanding of their work.

By his own account, his spiritual journey began in August of 1941 at a summer camp.  For the first time, he recognized his own shortcomings and spiritual need.  He put his faith in Christ and never looked back. 

John Allen remained committed to his wife, his family and his Savior until the day he died. 

Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23).

A service celebrating the life of John Allen will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 29 at Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oakridge Rd, in Neenah, with Rev. Dr. Harry Shields officiating. The visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until the hour of service.  A reception will follow the service.

Donations in memory of John may be made to Villages of Hope in Zambia, a ministry to children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.  https://www.akclivillageofhope.com/

The family wishes to thank all those who faithfully visited John in his last years.  Special thanks to the staff at Brewster Village for their extraordinary care and concern.  The dignity and respect they demonstrated will never be forgotten.