Jack Duane Allen, 81

Jack Duane Allen died on Dec. 24, 2022 at 81 years old, of natural causes at his home in Polson, Montana. He was born on Aug. 6, 1941 to Lloyd and Helen Allen in Tecumseh, Michigan.

He grew up in the small town of Tipton, Michigan and went to grade school in a one-room rural school. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1959 and Stauzenberger Business College in 1963 in Toledo, Ohio.

When Jack was 10 years old, his father became a paraplegic. When he was 10-16 years old, he spent most of his time driving John Deere tractors and tending to his bees. By 1959, Jack had 100 colonies of bees and was awarded “State Farmer in FFA”.

Jack moved the family to Polson in 1972 and managed Western Bee. He was a man of many talents. From driving semis across the country, to running his own businesses in Michigan and Montana. Namely, Allen’s Bee Box Factory and Mission Valley Appliance. And most notably, for his love of being a beekeeper. He loved to dance, host family BBQs, fish, camp and hunt.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Roman Bell; and step-son Rick VanThiel.

Jack is survived by the love of his life, wife Lorrie (married May 2010); his sister, Jeannette Brussow of Lake Isabella, Michigan; his children Joan (Perry) Deschamps of Spokane, Washington, James (Holly) Allen of Ronan, Montana and Janet (David) Young of Polson; his grandchildren, Maddie Mahan, Jacob (Kyla) Young, Jared (Corbin) Young, Justin Young, Josh Young, Crista Young, Brenna Young, Callie Young, Thorin Young, Neveah Young, Brittany (Justin) Jaccaud, Jordan Allen, Maegan (Ty) Unruh, and Elizabeth (Russell) Clairmont; 4 step–children, Steve and Marci Dillon, Tamar Tatro and Dawn Stewart; his nephews, Daniel and Dennis McGeen; and numerous great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service announced at a later date. In remembrance of Jack’s life, the family asks that any donations be made to Five Valley Accordion, so everyone can keep on dancing! Please make the check out to Five Valley Accordion, 4504 Edward Ave., Missoula MT 59804. Note “In Memory of Jack Allen” on the memo line. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.