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----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.)

WILLARD H (BILL) ALLEN

A former prominent citizen of Neillsville passes away.

Willard H (Bill) Allen, age 95, of Ormond Beach, FL, passed away on Oct. 7, 2001. Mr. Allen had lived his entire life in Neillsville before moving to Ormond Beach in 1990.

He was born Dec. 2, 1905 to Willard P and Alvina (Sievert) Allen. He was the youngest of eight children. Bill never knew his father who was killed while working as a blacksmith two months before Bill’s birth.

Bill began what would turn out to be a 60-year career in banking in 1927. He started out by accepting a temporary job as a janitor and bookkeeper. He retired as Chairman of the Board of the First National Bank at Neillsville in 1987.

In 1928, Bill married Alta Eisentraut. They had one daughter, Joan Lou (Bradley) Larsen. Unfortunately, both the loves of his life preceded him in death, Alta in 1984 and Joan in 1997.

Bill is survived by his son-in-law Bradley Larsen, of Port Orange, FL, and two grandsons, Jeffrey (Debra) of Naples, FL and James (Marla) of Holmen. Also surviving Bill are his four great-grandchildren, Odessa Mistry, Jennifer, Erik and Jesse Larson, as well as great great-grandsons, Devin and Gabrial Mistry.

Memorial services for Bill will be held Friday, May 3, 2002, at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, Neillsville. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service.