William (Bill) Wallace Allen of Rochester passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Bill was born February 9, 1927, to John and Anna (Vail) Allen near Byron, MN. He graduated from Byron High School in 1945 and was drafted into the Army. He proudly served his country in World War II and was stationed in Berlin during the post-war period. Following his military service, Bill spent a year in Idaho before returning to his home state of Minnesota.  He later met the love of his life, Donnis Hukee of Adams, and the two were united in marriage on June 18,1950. They shared 70 wonderful years together. They lived in Adams until retiring, moved to Rochester in 1997, and enjoyed spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona.

Bill began farming on the family farm in Adams and enjoyed that for over 40 years.  He taught himself to become a bricklayer and founded Star Masonry. He built schools, churches, fireplaces, and many other buildings and decorative structures. 

Bill was very creative and always working on something, especially after he retired. He carved wood pieces, welded metal artwork, dabbled in lapidary, and fixed and built clocks. He was the ultimate handy man who could fix or camouflage anything to make it look almost new.  Bill loved volunteering as he repaired wheelchairs at Goodwill and helped people with directions at the elevators at Mayo Clinic, to just name a few. Bill was a dedicated member of Little Cedar (Adams) and Gloria Dei (Rochester) Lutheran churches. He served as a deacon and trustee at Little Cedar. 

Bill loved traveling to explore new places and cultures. He and Donnis visited most every state, made several trips to Europe and enjoyed many cruises. As a WWII veteran, he was blessed to travel to Washington DC on an Honor Flight.  He loved golfing and was a founding member of Cedar River Country Club in Adams.  He would gladly recount the stories of his three holes-in-one. Bill enjoyed playing cards; he was quite the 500 player who would frequently outbid his hand but still figure out how to win to the chagrin of his opponents. 

His family meant the world to him. Bill is survived by his four children, their spouses and families: Julie (Jerry) Aman, Craig (Linda) Allen, Susan (Terry) Schaefer, and David (Jody) Allen. Seven grandchildren: Chad (Emily) Allen, Matthew (Karin) Schaefer, Scott (Kelly Corbin) Allen, Kayla (Mike) Levitt, Jeff (Jessica) Allen, Benjamin Allen, Jordyn Allen, 14 Great Grandchildren, brother Dr. James (Sandy) Allen and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donnis, brothers John, Richard, infant brother Phillip and many loving in-laws. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials preferred to Seasons Hospice in Rochester or the American Diabetes Foundation.

Donnis E Allen's Obituary