Douglas Allen, age 72, of Hawthorn Woods, IL, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, in Barrington, IL. He was born on May 13, 1951, in Evanston, IL.

Doug was the youngest of two boys born to John and Janice (Dexter) Allen. He was a graduate of Sunset Ridge School (1965), New Trier West (1969), and Drake University (1973). He worked on a master’s degree at the University of Puget Sound studying freshwater biology but left to join the family bakery supply company, J.W. Allen Co., where he enjoyed working for the rest of his career.

A lifelong member of Northfield Community Church, Doug sang in the choir for more than 50 years. He developed a passion for mentoring young adults through the NCC Youth Group and cherished his experiences on numerous mission trips.

Doug enjoyed racing sailboats, first with his dad and brother then with crew who became lifelong friends. Later, he switched to captaining power boats and spent many happy years cruising Lake Michigan with his family. He maintained a lifelong passion for ocean life, particularly whales, which he would travel to watch their migrations. He enjoyed dining, theater, cars, movies, traveling, Christian rock concerts, and spending time with loved ones.

Doug was a kind, gentle, faithful and generous man who was always willing to help those in need. He was a deeply beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. His illness and passing were sudden and unexpected but his wife and children were with him through his final days. Fortunately, he was able to spend his last clear weeks enjoying time in his favorite destination, Aruba.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Susan (Johnson) Allen; his son, Michael; his daughter, Kathryn and son-in-law, Adam Kirkenmeier; his brother, Bill and sister-in-law, Diane; two nieces, six nephews, and their beloved families. Doug was preceded to heaven by his father, John Allen, and his mother, Jan Allen.

Visitation will be held at Northfield Community Church on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, at 2:30 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:30pm with a catered reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Northfield Community Church Youth Mission Fund (https://www.northfielducc.org…) the Ocean Conservancy (https://oceanconservancy.org/…) and/or The Douglas Allen Service Learning Travel Fund at Drake University (https://alumni.drake.edu/serv…) in Doug’s honor.

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