Dr. Henry C. “Hank” Allan, Jr.

Henry Allan

American FlagDr. Henry Christopher Allan, Jr., a resident of La Grange Park for 37 years, quietly passed away July 22, 2012. He was 88 years of age.  Beloved husband of Norma Jean Allan, nee Abodeely. Loving father of Rebecca, Deborah, Christopher, Gregory (Maggie), Jeffrey (Lee Ann), William (Katie) and the late John (Jan) Allan; loving grandfather of 11; great grandfather of 9; brother of Joann (the late Edward) Garvin and Fred (Pat) Wallace; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Saturday, July 28, 2012 from 9 am to time of Service 11 am at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd. 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Interment Monday, July 30, 2012 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Member of the VFW Post 10778-Western Springs and Moraine Valley Community College Faculty Alumni.  Memorials appreciated to Illinois Veteran Home-Manteno, 1 Veteran’s Drive, Manteno, IL 60950 or Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris, La Grange, IL 60525. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

(obituary based on an original written by Henry Allan himself on November 17, 1997)

Henry Allan had many careers in his life. He was a college professor, World War II veteran, author, clergyman, social worker, and mediation skills trainer.

From January 1943 to January 1946, Allan served in the United States Army Amphibious Engineers. His overseas duty included New Guinea, the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia), the Philippine Islands, and Japan. He participated in the amphibious landings at Morotai Island (Indonesia) and Luzon (Philippines).

A “not particularly gifted” athlete, Henry Allan participated in both high school and college football, cross-country running at the University of Iowa, and boxing (in both the U.S. Army and the Golden Gloves).

As a clergyman, Allan served congregants in Iowa and the upper peninsula of Michigan.

Later, he spent 9 years as a social worker in inner city Chicago neighborhoods with the Y.M.C.A. of Metropolitan Chicago, including 3 years as Director of On-Job Training and Job Development for the Antipoverty (J.O.B.S.) program.

In 1969, Henry left the “Y” to accept a teaching position at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL. He remained at M.V.C.C., as professor and dean, until August 1995. From 1991-95, Allan also functioned as Director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution. In June 1994, he founded and headed the Institute for Mediation Training, a not-for-profit corporation, until July 1996.

In the late 1990’s, Allan served as a mediator, consultant, and trainer for cultural awareness and also in ministerial capacities for the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale.

Allan received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Iowa in 1949 and 1950 respectively. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1984.

Honors accorded to Dr. Allan included “Master Teacher” in 1989 and “Advisor of the Year” in 1991 and 1994 at Moraine Valley Community College.

Allan was the author of numerous educational books and workbooks throughout his teaching career. His final book, published in 2002, was a memoir about his experiences in World War II, entitled “H-Hour Plus Three: The Saga of the Amphibious Engineers in the Pacific During World War II”.

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Messages of Condolence

  1. Mary and J.D. MillerVitell condolence:

    We are all diminished by this loss; this was a man of honor, courage, wisdom, and wit. He was the most considerate instructor I’ve ever had, the easiest person to talk with – and he always talked “with” you, not at you or to you! – and he valued what every person had to say. He taught and led by example, and always with a bit of humor at just at the right time. He cared about people and loved his family completely. He lived fully and with gratitude. He will be greatly missed by countless numbers of people whose lives he influenced as a teacher and touched with love, great kindness, joy, wit, and goodness.
    Our hearts go out with our prayers and condolences to his family.


  2. Jean Thomas condolence:

    WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AT THIS TIME
    To
    NORMA AND FAMILY


  3. Diana Gustafson Voelker condolence:

    My thoughts and prayers are with Norma and her family. I met the Allans throught the Army reunions of the 534th EB&SR and am saddened by the loss of yet another one of these wonderful veterans who sacrificed so much almost 70 years ago. Hank was a man of peace and justice who continued to serve others after he left the military. I was so privileged to have known him.


  4. Mark Gabriel condolence:

    I was only 12 the last tme I remembered see “Uncle Hank” we’re not related but the time our families spent together as well as always remembering him and “those early chicago years” I grew up in, he made us family. Our families continued to stay in touch and with as the great topping I will always CONTINUE to remember his presence, spirit, love and his family. Thank you Uncle Hank and Thank you and your Family Aunt Norma! Hugs and comfort to you all.


  5. David Kasl condolence:

    He is a great man and he will be sorely missed forever. Love Dave Kasl


  6. Richard Rackow MVCC 1981-2011 condolence:

    Hank was a wonderful man, we all lost a good friend.


  7. Fenwick Taylor condolence:

    Henry and I both started in 1969 at MVCC. It was a real pleasure working with and for him. Always cheerful, helpful, and professional. One of those persons that made MVCC a great place to be. I rember Henry as a wonderful person, teacher, and administrator. I miss him. Fen


  8. Teresa Perkins condolence:

    Condolences to your family. May God hold and keep you in his love.


  9. mindy condolence:

    Dear Greg,

    You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Know that you’re Father is at rest. I wish you and your family peace and comfort.


  10. Ed St. Peter condolence:

    Greg (and family) –

    So very sad to hear the news. I hope that this ending finds your family and father at peace. Our hearts go out to you. You are all in our prayers.

    Ed, Cynthia and Michael


  11. Joan Siewert condolence:

    I have always held Hank in high esteem. I enjoyed our times together when we were neighbors. My thoughts and prayers are with Norma and the family.
    Sincere sympathy,
    Joan


  12. Richard E. Johansen condolence:

    Norma,
    Mary and I will be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and in our daily prayers in these days of the loss of your loved one.

    Since I was in Hqtrs. & Hqtrs. Co. of 534th EB&SR I did not know Hank until we met at reunions. We have lost another comrade, one of the special ones of Co. D!


  13. John and Dolores Gee condolence:

    Jeff…We are thinking of you at this sad time and send our deepest sympathy to all of your family on the passing of your father We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Aunt Dee and Uncle John (Henderson NV)


  14. David Sellers condolence:

    Bill, my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time.


  15. Margaret Parker condolence:

    Our prayers and condolences to your family.


  16. Phyllis J. Kozlowski condolence:

    Henry was a wonderful colleague and co-worker who contributed much to the Fine Arts and Humanities Department at MVCC. His wisdom was always the calm in the storm. My sincere condolences to Norma and other members of their family.


  17. Joe & Bobbie Sickler condolence:

    Dear Norma ans family,
    Our love and thoughts and wonderful memories are with you in this time. We shared the love of the 534th members and the great reunions.
    Many thanks for friendship and memories.
    Much love, Bobbie & Joe


  18. Rod Seaney condolence:

    Knowing Hank was a privilege. He shared his Moraine Valley experience with me, and his Iowa and Iron Mountain experiences.My deepest sympathy on your loss.


  19. Christine Loose condolence:

    Deeply, deeply sorry for your loss. I had the priviledge of meeting Hank several years ago when Deborah and I traveled to Chicago for a visit. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Love, Chris


  20. Wallace Smith III condolence:

    Our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Wally & Pat


  21. Theo Poulos condolence:

    Hank was a great friend and mentor. I’m truly grateful for everything he taught me. I will never forget his kind and giving spirit. He was a member of “the greatest generation” –a man who served his country in World War Two and who continued to serve his fellow man long after. This world was lucky to see him born. My condolences to Norma and his family. May his memory be eternal!


  22. Judy O'Keefe condolence:

    Norma, so sorry to hear about Hank .. my sympathy to you and your family. We have lost too many good men, and Hank was one of the best. We really miss those days when the 534th men were well and happy and could share their lives with each other. My thoughts are with you in your grief. Judy


  23. Robert P. Jarvis condolence:

    The Jarvis family extends their deepest sympathy to Norma and to their family on the loss of Hank. The 534th Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment deeply regrets the loss of another of it’s members. We will certainly miss Hank, a stalwart soldier.
    May God be with him. Bob & Brooks Jarvis


  24. Judy & Erik Bloecks condolence:

    With deepest sympathy!


  25. Mark Radabaugh condolence:

    With deepest sympathies to you. My thoughts are of your family.


  26. Kathy Flores condolence:

    To Aunt Norma & family,
    Hank Allan touched many lives in so many different ways, but to me he will always be “Uncle Hank” my beloved Godfather. As a small child in the late 1960s our families were very close and I spent alot of time with them. Uncle Hank was the kindest, smartest, and the most gentle man I have ever met. He could talk to anyone about anything and always was interested in your life.I remember him and Aunt Norma always calling everyone “Honey”,the thing is they really meant it. He will always have a very special place in my heart. I hope his children know how blessed they are to have him as their dad.Love and peace to you all.Kathy(Smith)Flores


  27. Sally De-Bargeton condolence:

    I send my deepest sympathy from the distant Shores of the United Kingdom.


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