MADISON / FARMINGTON, Minn. - Robert Edward Allen, age 89, died Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Legacy of Farmington Assisted Living. He was born to Robert M. and Joyce (Kirchner) Allen on September 28, 1935, in Sparta, Wis. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1953 and married Barbara A. Ninneman on May 19, 1955.

Bob’s career started in the U.S. Navy Band and served four years at the Brooklyn Navel Yard, before returning to Wisconsin to finish his degree at UW-Stevens Point. His first Band Director positions were in Greenwood and Portage and his first Principal position was at Elroy High School. While working on a Ph.D. at UW-Madison, he became Superintendent of the Albany School District. He completed his Ph.D. in 1975 and continued his career as the District Administrator at Beloit Turner and Reedsburg School Districts. He retired in 1995.

Bob and Barbara spent many of their retirement years traveling the country in their motor homes before settling into condo life on Lake Monona. They greatly enjoyed their extended family and had many lifelong friends from the places they lived.

Bob is survived by his sons, Robert M. of Minneapolis, Minn. and Richard H. (Patricia) of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughters, Lisa J. (Steven) Farnsworth of Farmington, Minn. and Leslie A. (Marc) Duchesneau of Alameda, Calif.; four grandchildren, Justin (Nikki) Farnsworth of Farmington, Minn., Jenna (Josh) Nanni of Fitchburg, Wis., Ella Duchesneau of Boston, Mass. and Edgar Duchesneau of Alameda, Calif.; one great-grandchild, Caden Farnsworth; and sister, Patti (James) Syverson of Sparta, Wis. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara Allen in 2015.

There will be a family graveside service at the time of interment next to his wife at Roselawn Memorial Park in Madison, Wis.

Robert E. Allen

September 28, 1935 - August 10, 2025

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