Darley William Allen passed into eternal life on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at four in the afternoon. He was 83 years of age.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan; his daughters, Monica Kolars and husband Paul, and Jennifer Murphy and husband Greg; his son, Christopher Allen; his grandchildren, Clare Kolars, Mary Margaret Kolars, Sophie Kolars, John Paul Kolars, Vivian Murphy and William Murphy; his brother, Harry Allen and wife Debbie; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Lynn Allen; and his brother, James Allen.

Bill graduated from Sherburn (MN) High School with the Class of 1954. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science at the University of Minnesota, and was a past-president of the Alpha Gamma Ro fraternity. Bill later served his country as a medic in the United States Army.

Bill was devoted to his wife and family. He embodied a spirit of adventure, and lived in Sweden, California, Iowa, Brazil, and Minnesota before finding home in Wisconsin in 1976. A Catholic convert, Bill loved learning about his faith. He taught confirmation at St. Mary’s for many years, and really loved sharing his faith. In later years he sent out a prayer warrior missal which encouraged others to pray.

In college, Bill enjoyed Dairy Industries Club, tennis, skiing, and racquetball, and was a member of the American Shetland Pony Club. He won the Lansing Award for outstanding creative writing. Through the years, Bill had a lifelong love for animals – birds, cats, horses, and dogs – especially his St. Bernard dog, Heidi. He also loved to read, and enjoyed spending time outside and gardening.

Services honoring the life of Darley William Allen will be held on Monday, July 1st at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church, W10137 570th Ave in rural River Falls WI. A Rosary Service will be held at 9:45am, Visitation will start at 10:00am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, with Rev. Fr. Kevin Louis officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at the parish cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the St. Joseph Fund for Priests of the LaCrosse Diocese. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls WI. 715-425-5644