John Edward Allen
Saginaw, MI
Our dad has answered his final page: this one, we believe, from our mom, who has been patiently waiting for their next adventure.
John was born in Minersville, Penn., in 1940. He served proudly in the Navy, after which he married Ellen Lipinsky. They moved to Saginaw, Mich., where they raised a family until Ellen’s untimely death in 2007.
John had a rewarding career as a CRNA for St. Luke’s, now Covenant Hospital, for nearly 50 years.
Working long hours never prevented John from attending any of our achievements. We saved seats, in churches, games, concerts, and practices, then watched to see him smiling from the crowd.
A proud man, always willing to put in the work, John showed up for everyone. His smile and laugh and trademark wink will live on in the memories and stories of the people who were lucky to know him.
John is survived by daughter Vicki (Matt), son Timothy, grandchildren Tate Harrell and Madison Allen, brother-in-law Russell Lipinsky (Carol), and nephew Scott Lipinsky (Andrea).
We would be remiss to not thank the following for making John’s life a bit brighter: Our bonus sister, Roxanne Schmerheim, Dakota West and Janelle Gatzke for allowing John a few more years of independence, Todd Crawford for never missing an opportunity to catch up with John – may everyone have a friend this faithful – his Wheel Buddy, Hillary Nethaway. Finally, Linda Jeruzal, thank you for making an impression on John.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, with 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. visitation. Reception to follow at Edmunds on Michigan Ave. Private burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Saginaw.
To view a live stream of the service, click the following link: Live Stream
Rest easy dad. Hug mom for us… and …save our seats.
16 Messages to “John Edward Allen”
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John Rzyhak
January 27, 2025 at 10:58 pmI had the pleasure and honor of working with John in the operating room at St. Lukes/Covenant for almost 30 years starting in 1983, first as a staff nurse, then as a fellow CRNA, and finally as his department manager. He was always a warm, compassionate man who took the best care of his patients. He had a tireless work ethic, always willing to pick up extra work shifts as needed. Every summer we would joke about having the same birthday, just in different years. I learned a lot about the true “art” of giving anesthesia from him. God bless you John Allen.
Vicki Harrell
January 28, 2025 at 9:33 amJohn, I have such gratitude for your relationship with my dad. He spoke so highly of you. Thank you for truly honoring him in those months prior to his retirement. It was a gift I speak of to this day. John loved his job and his work family.
Erin Zimmerlee
January 27, 2025 at 10:59 pmJohn truly was an amazing person, he had a smile and laugh that was contagious. He could make your dark days bright with a smile, a wink and a one liner! He will be missed by so many. Vicki thank you for including me in John’s journey. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Vicki Harrell
January 28, 2025 at 9:37 amErin, thank you for being such an important part of John’s journey. John always appreciated each card that was sent and would always comment that it was so nice to be remembered. I don’t think he ever truly understood he’s not one to ever be forgotten. Thank you for checking in on him and me over the years.
Lynn L. Lebeck, PhD, CRNA-ret.
January 28, 2025 at 7:08 pmJohn and my mother, Ruth Wright, CRNA served many years together in the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists. I meet him when I was a student nurse anesthetist, what a gentleman. Say hi to my mom.
Vicki Harrell
January 28, 2025 at 9:15 pmLynn, thank you for this. In my younger years I spent many a Saturday morning stuffing MANA magazines into mailers. That brings back memories.
Amy Pelkey
January 28, 2025 at 8:32 pmBrian and I had the honor of working with John when we moved to Saginaw to start working at Covenant in 2005. We will always remember John’s work ethic and kindness.
To John’s family, may you feel love and support from those around you. May you feel moments of peace during this difficult time of saying goodbye. May you find ways to honor John’s memory. Our deepest condolences.
Alana Thomas-Carroll
January 29, 2025 at 9:14 amThank you so much for allowing me to care for your dad. He will forever be in my heart. His sense of humor was the best. Him sitting in the front area every day I walked into work always warmed my heart. I loved our talks about Saginaw. He will be missed
Vicki Harrell
January 29, 2025 at 12:54 pmAlana, thank you for your compassion with John, know you were missed. We appreciate your taking the time to get to know him.
Barry & Lynn Peterson
January 29, 2025 at 3:59 pmVicki & Tim,
We are sorry for the loss of your dad. It sounds like he touched a lot of peoples hearts. May your memories help you both through this difficult time.
Karen (Mccarthy) Yaworski
January 30, 2025 at 9:39 amI worked with John at St. Luke’s/ Covenant, John was a wonderful man and CRNA, now it’s your turn to take a “break”
Janelle R Gatzke
January 30, 2025 at 11:43 amI dont even like to say I worked with John because it wasn’t work to me. It was like visiting with my grandfather everyday. To help give him a few more years of autonomy I would stop by Johns home and cook him meals, take him out to eat, movies, and sometimes we would just sit and watch TV together. He was wonderful with my children & always pleasant to be around. I know you are a part of my childrens childhood memories forever now & you will always be in mine. God bless you John & also save me a seat up there!
Vicki Harrell
January 31, 2025 at 8:36 pmThank you for loving John like family. Know he loved you and looked forward to your time together. You treated him with such respect.
Sherry Nelson
January 30, 2025 at 10:03 pmI also had the honor of working with John at Covenant HealthCare for many years after coming to Saginaw in 2001. His quick wit, warmth and special twinkle in his eye made him a memorable colleague and friend.
Rest in peace
Sherry Nelson
Kathleen Dowis (Hartman)
January 31, 2025 at 12:05 pmTo johns wife and children,
I worked with John for many years at St. Lukes (now Covenant) hospital. I worked in PACU (recovery room) so if he was working I saw him. He was a very conscientious anesthesia provider and basically an all around nice guy to work and be around.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Scott Helmka
February 2, 2025 at 10:47 amVicki and Timmy…..Big John was like a second dad to me for so many years!! Growing up and spending so much time with your Mom and Dad in the Allen family home are some of my best memories!!
Your dad was a special human being who loved his family and was so gracious….i loved him and my heart hurts for all of you…would like to connect with you and Timmy….please let me know the best way to contact you both.
Love always,
Scott