John Merle Allen, 98, of Austin, Minn., died Monday, May 19, 2014, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

John was born May 14, 1916, in Seneca, Wis. John married Ruby Nupson on June 5, 1937, in Harmony, Minn. He worked at Hormel from 1933 until his retirement on Dec. 31, 1978. John served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

John was a charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where he was a very active member; he was also a member of the American Legion. John and Ruby loved to square dance. John enjoyed spending time at the senior center where he played card games, especially cribbage. John was able to drive his car until the age of 97, a fact that he was very proud of. He was a great father and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Ruby.

John is survived by his sons: Stephen (Jean) Allen, Ft. Myers Beach, Fla., and Douglas (Laurie) Allen, Sartell, Minn.; grandchildren Chad (Christy) Allen, Lance Allen, Kari (Ben) Nemeth, Jennifer (Chad) Crooks, Gina (Nate) Erickson; 16 great grandchildren: Alex, Andrew, Zach, Will, Mya, Benny, Jonathan, Max, Sam, Jake, Eric, Abby, Will, Ben, Lexi, Drew.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Karl Dalager officiating.  Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Austin Post No. 91, American Legion will provide Military rites. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.