Allen was born November 25, 1938 in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of August and Martha (Trost) Koehler.

In Pontiac he and Betty worked at the same bank, the Community National Bank, where Betty caught his eye. On June 6, 1964 in Pigeon, Michigan he married Betty (Cox) Koehler, who survives.

As a 16 year old, Allen survived a bad farm accident. He was hospitalized for weeks. Allen recovered and was grateful to the doctors, nurses and community of Pigeon for their prayers and support. He would later go on to hold his high school basketball record for the highest score in a game.

He spent 27 years as a Senior Reliability Engineer for General Motors truck and bus. Allen would be called upon GM to travel to various plants and grade them and help them improve. Allen retired and then spent time as a contractor and consultant for GM.

Betty and Allen have been visiting Up North and Northport since the late 1970’s and in 1985 they set roots in Northport. He had a green thumb and tended to his garden that was always weed free. Allen would cultivate a pumpkin patch and invite the children from Northport Public Schools every year to pick out their Halloween pumpkin.

He had an amazing memory and a love for history. Allen would tell stories and recall the names and events of Died December 27, 2024 colleagues, family and friends from many years ago. He enjoyed meeting people at the local coffee shops daily. Whether he attended church downstate or at Bethany Lutheran Church, Allen enjoyed singing in the choir.

Allen is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty; two daughters, Korina (Kent) Woody, Karla (Steve) Scott; his niece and nephews, Laurie (Art) Britt, Richard Koehler, Rodney (Alice) Koehler; five grandchildren, Bess Ann (Alex) Deweever, Kent C. Woody, Hayden and Grace Scott, Abigail Scott and two great grandchildren, Shiloh Scott and Claire Marie Deweever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Martha Koehler, a brother, Richard (Lillian) Koehler and a niece, Peggy Koehler.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2nd with the family greeting friends at 12 noon at the Bethany Lutheran Church of Northport. Pastor Chrysanne Timm will officiate. Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, PO Box 567, Northport, MI 49670 and/ or Munson Home Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 Please share condolences and memories with Allen’s family at www.martinson. info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.