Bruce (Bernie) Edward Allen, 77, passed away on Sept. 10 due to multiple organ failure, in Weston, Wisconsin. Bernie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janine; son, Seth Allen; daughter, Heather Pavlas (Luke); as well as his three grandchildren, Easton and Jameson Pavlas and William Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Oradell Allen; and sister, Mary Kay Allen.
Bernie was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Aug. 20, 1949. Shortly after his education at Johnson High School and a year at the University of Minnesota, he enlisted in the Navy. Unfortunately, he was assigned to be a Quartermaster on a supply ship patrolling the brown waters in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange. Bernie’s health throughout his many years was compromised as a result.
In spite of this, he relished being a participant in many sports. His dream, once back from active duty, was to own a cabin on a lake. That dream became a reality in 1987. Lake life suited Bernie. Often, he could be found searching for interesting rocks from the shallows, fishing, or kayaking. When his children were older, he spent hours each day taking them waterskiing and tubing. The lake was his “happy place.”
Bernie was a tried and true “rock-hound” as he saw beauty in every piece of stone he cut or polished. Once retired, he became a collector who offered wall light-switch covers made of jaspers, petrified wood and other incredible stone slabs. Creating a decorative yet functional art-form made from the earth truly brought him joy.
Bernie spent most of his working life as a powder coating expert and educator. He worked for HB Fuller for years, traveling throughout the nation as a powder coating technician. He eventually owned his own powder coating shop in Spooner, Wisconsin.
One of Bernie’s passions included his love of motorcycles. Most of his life he enjoyed riding, whether to work, or within a group. Travels to Sturgis, to “The Wall” in Washington, D.C., and Copper Harbor were a few of his many motorcycling adventures.
Community service was important to Bernie. He delivered Meals on Wheels for years, and was involved in the local American Legion and VFW Post 1256. Participating in the Honor Guard was a privilege, and Bernie was a mentor and friend to many senior veterans.
Please join us on Saturday, Oct. 24, for Bernie’s Celebration of Life. This event will be held at the Zhashagiins Event Center at 24133 WI-35, Siren Wisconsin, 54872. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with an honorary service around noon. Bernie’s Celebration of Life will continue with a luncheon and time to reminisce. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed and can be made to VFW Post 1256.
Spooner Funeral Home is assisting the family.
