William H. Allen

MADISON - William H. “Bill” Allen passed away on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, in Baraboo, Wis. He was born on Jan. 28, 1922, in Portsmouth, N.H. Bill enlisted in U.S. Army (military police) on June 21,1941. He was discharged on Aug. 29, 1943, to enlist into the U.S. Army Air Corps on Aug. 30, 1943. Bill served state side until November of 1944 and then transferred to the European Theater where he served as pilot and commanding officer of a flight section stationed in Paris, France. During his service in European Theater he received the following decorations: the Air Medal, Silver Star and European Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars. Bill was Honorably Discharged on Jan. 10, 1946. Bill was united in marriage to Edna Louise Kelsey in 1944 in Pampa, Texas. Post war, he enjoyed a carrier in commercial aviation working as an aircraft mechanic, flight instructor, charter pilot and ag pilot until 1950 then as a corporate pilot until his retirement in 1982. Bill was hired as the chief pilot for Ray O Vac when they purchased their first aircraft, he was then transferred into their office at the close of their aviation department until his retirement. Bill had many interests and hobbies, however his favorite pastime was fishing and traveling with his wife Louise in their motor home. He was a member of Madison East Kiwanis and very active in the Community Christian Church. Bill is survived by two children, Don Allen of Wisconsin Rapids and Debora Liesenfeld of Baraboo; a sister; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; his parents; and three brothers. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. Burial will follow at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 12:15 p.m. with a luncheon to follow at the funeral home. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Bill’s name to Madison East Kiwanis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420