Roger G. Allen

Roger G. Allen passed away peacefully Monday morning, April 10, 2023, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born May 20, 1948, in Mankato, MN, son of Donovan J. and Deween M. (Clark) Allen.

His childhood years were spent in Tracy, MN where winters were great for snowplay and ice skating.  Summers were spent on his grandparents’ farm in South Dakota with his brother Lee and cousins. The family eventually moved to Bloomington, IN where he attended University High School.  There he was part of the wrestling team, played the trumpet in the band and had a major role in the senior play.

He pursued his undergraduate education at Indiana University where he met his wife, Cheryl. He joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, participated in student government as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and was a member of the I.U. Student Foundation Steering Committee

He graduated from the I.U. Law School in 1973.  The Allens then moved to Kalamazoo, MI where he joined the law firm of Deming, Hughey, Benson & Huff. There he specialized in banking, commercial law, and creditors rights. He was a member of the Kalamazoo County Bar Association and served as President of the Oakland Drive Neighborhood Association.

On February 10, 1982, at age 33, he was happily married with 2 children (Emilie & David) under the age of 4.  That day he suffered a brain stem stroke.  He became quadriplegic and unable to speak.  His upper brain was not damaged. In time, with a hand splint and two switches, he could use Morse Code to relay his thoughts to a computer, mounted to his wheelchair.  With a modified Ford Van, he could go wherever his children found themselves as they grew into adulthood.

As a 40-year resident of the now Heritage-Upjohn Community Care Center, he touched the lives of innumerable care givers and staff.  His love for people, for sports and for his Indiana Hoosiers played a major role in his ability to cope with life after his stroke.  He lived life courageously, helping others to count the many blessings that are often taken for granted.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lee J. Allen; and stillborn grandson, Dean D. Allen. Roger is survived by his children, David G. (Amanda) Allen, and Emilie J. (Scott) Hill; grandchildren, Kaylee J. Allen, Emma L. Allen, and Arianna Linker; sister-in-law, Shelia Allen; nephews, Brian Allen, Jay Allen, and Mark Allen; and very special friends, Bruce and Cheryl Briney, Colleen Rexin, Fred Gemlich, Charlie Etter, Ross Chapman, and Paul Davidoff.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday May 6, 2023, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009, beginning at 2 pm with a brief service of remembrance starting at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Heritage Community of Kalamazoo Foundation, Centrica Care Navigators, or a charity of your choice. To view Roger’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com