Kenneth Allan Obituary

Kenneth (Ken) Howard Allan

1932-2025

Kenneth (Ken) was born February 1st, 1932, to Howard C and Flora H nee Schoenherr Allan in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Ken was preceded in death by his spouse of 52 years Marlene (Mic) Rae Suhr in October of 2009 as well as his brother, John F. Allan. He was received as a member of God’s family by holy baptism and confirmation.

In the 10th grade of high school, Ken enrolled at Concordia Theological Academy, Ft Wayne, IN. There, he completed high school and two years of college that led him to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. During his year of internship (1955-1956), Ken was instrumental in establishing two Lutheran congregations in the Florida Keys: Emmanuel at Plantation Key and Martin Lutheran at Marathon. Ken graduated from Seminary in 1957. On July 7th, 1957, Ken was married to Marlene (Mic) Rae Suhr of Bertrand, NE and ordained into the holy ministry the same month at Grace Lutheran Church, Niagara Falls, NY. His first call was to be a mission developer for the Atlantic District LCMS while serving at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Bordentown Township, NJ from 1957-1963. In 1963, Ken was called to be pastor of St Michael Lutheran Church, Portage, MI, where he served 34 years retiring in 1997. During his Ministry, Ken also obtained a Masters degree in Marriage and Counseling at Western Michigan University.

Ken and Mic’s lives were richly blessed with four children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also was blessed by many friends, and congregations that grew including one major building program in Bordentown and three in Portage. Ken always demonstrated God’s love through service to his church and community. He founded a senior day program called Covenant at St Michael Lutheran Church. During his time in Portage, Ken also served as Circuit Counselor and on the Board of Social Ministry for the Michigan District LCMS and promoted a Teen/Family Life Center which was the seed for the now existing Portage Community Outreach Center. Ken served as a director and chairperson of the Board of the Kalamazoo Consultation Center, chaired a local counsel of Lutheran pastors and congregations, and hosted a weekly TV talk program “Markings”. In November of 1999, Ken and Mic moved to Fairfield Glade, TN. While there, Ken served at times as a vacancy pastor at his TN home congregation, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Crossville, TN and at Heavenly Host Lutheran Church, Cookeville, TN. He was also active in the Cumberland County Shelter. In October of 2009, his spouse, Mic was suddenly called home to her eternal rest. Ken then moved back to Portage and married his longtime friend, Janice (Jan) Goertz in October 2010. During his final years in Portage, Ken resumed membership at St Michael as pastor emeritus and continued service to his church and community. Family and church were Ken’s passion in life. In his work, he enjoyed leading worship, preaching, teaching, and counseling. Ken’s interests included reading, classical music, fishing, golf, playing cards/cribbage, Tiger baseball, college sports, working around the house, and a cold beer. He was called to his eternal rest on July 2nd, 2025, at the age of 93. Following his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Ken is survived by his current spouse, Janice Goertz Allan, his children Andrew (Mary Ellen) Allan, Stephanie (Timothy) Stamp, Mary Cass, and Matthew (Sandra) Allan. He is also survived by Jan’s children, Jackie (John) Michels, Brian (Judy) Goertz, eleven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

The extraordinary resilience of Ken’s faith and love of God has resulted in countless lives transformed by his ministry.

Visit with family and friends on Saturday, July 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Lutheran Church; 7211 Oakland Dr. Portage, MI. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 at the same location. A Private family interment of ashes will be held Friday July 11. The service will also be live steamed. Please visit https://www.mightymessengers.org/ for the youtube link.

Contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to St Michael Lutheran Church Good Samaritan Fund, St Michael Lutheran Church School, Kairos Dwelling, Kalamazoo, or Portage Community Outreach Center.

While visiting Ken’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 5975 Lovers Lane in Portage 269 344-5600.

SOLI DEO GLORIA