Ronald Allen

Ronald L. Allen “was called to Heaven” on March 31, 2013, in his Columbia Falls home, surrounded by his loving family.

He entered this world on Sept. 25, 1938, in Kalispell. He was a true Montana native. On Sept. 3, 1960, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Rasmussen, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. They just celebrated their 52nd anniversary, where they renewed their vows.

Some of Ron’s hobbies included hunting, boating, fishing and four-wheeling with his family at their Middle Thompson Lake cabin for 42 years. Ron and Marilyn spent many years planning, working and building their dream cabin that was a special place for all.

He worked for the operating engineers for 40-plus years. He built many roads in the state of Montana, ran whirly cranes on Libby Dam and drove heavy equipment on the Alaskan Pipeline. He always impressed the state inspectors by the quality of his work.

Ron retired in 1994. During this time, he enjoyed traveling with his wife. He also loved helping other people, working in his garage, reading Western novels, playing pinochle with dear friends, going to Wild C/Kat basketball games and picking on his grandkids. Ron was a quiet, humble man of his word who had a positive outlook on life and a great sense of humor. He loved to tease.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Nettie Allen, his beloved brother Max Allen, his brother-in-law Larry Rasmussen, nephew Frank Allen and niece Marty-Ann Allen.

Ron is survived by his soul mate Marilyn and three children, daughter Kim with children Elicia Bennett, Jhovee La Casse, Jariah Allen, Elicia’s husband Chris and their daughter Everly; daughter Kelly with children Ryan and Austin Reichert; and son Kevin, his wife Rebecca and children Vanessa, Sierra, Sydney and Bridger Allen. He is also survived by his godchildren, aka his “other” grandchildren, Jason and Amber Youso; Ron’s brother Gary Allen and his wife Angie, brother Dennis Allen, sisters-in-law Isabel Allen and Jean Rasmussen, brother-in-law Dennis Rasmussen and his wife Bev; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. His spirit will live on in each person who knew him.

Rosary will be held at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at 7 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls on Friday, April 5, 2013, at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Richard’s Catholic Cemetery. Funeral luncheon will follow at St. Richard’s.