Gary Michael Allen, 69, passed away at the Milwaukee VA Hospital on Dec. 26 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Gary, born Jan. 2, 1944 in Detroit, was the son of Merle and Cleo Allen, both of whom preceded him in death.

A 1962 graduate of Ontonagon High School, Gary was employed in the White Pine mine before enlisting in the U.S. Army. After leaving the Army, he worked aboard iron-ore boats on the Great Lakes before moving to California. He lived and worked in the Oakland area until he retired in the early 1990s and returned home to Ontonagon.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents as well as grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, three cousins and Sharon Heikkala Hoffman, his loving companion.

He is survived by his siblings Dennis (Patricia) Allen of Milwaukee, Sally (Tim) Haas of Amherst, WI., Linda Allen of Ontonagon and Patrick (Karen) Allen of Ontonagon, nephews Nicolas Haas and Colton Allen, nieces Darcie (Luis) Torres, Darris Allen, Alexis Allen and Cleo Allen, great-nephew Julian Torres and great-nieces Piper Cartentier and Javian Torres in addition to aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gary was an avid sports fan who graduated a Polar Bear but came to love the Gladiators as well as the Tigers and Lions. He was a lifelong nature lover, enjoying drives on the country roads of the Upper Peninsula's woods, picking berries and mushrooms and walking the pristine sands of Lake Superior's beaches. He was a collector of oldies music and coins.

What he collected most were hearts. He was a gentle spirit who will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

A Memorial Service for Gary will be held Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Friends may gather from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment with Military Rites will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.