Allen Henry Geffe

Allen Henry Geffe better known as Popper, went home to his Heavenly family on September 30, 2025. 

The first-born son of Henry and Alice (nee Gruebnau) Geffe. Allen loved learning and was always up for a new adventure. Upon graduating from Palatine High in 1958 he and a buddy set off on Route 66 to go to college in CA. Realizing he wasn’t ready to settle down for school, Allen joined the Navy and sailed the seven seas. He talked fondly of his time in the Navy and loved all the travel. After the Navy he returned to work in Illinois where he met his lifelong love Judy (nee Fender) they married on Sept. 26, 1964.

 Their daughter Colleen was born in 1965, it was during this time that Allen discovered he had the eye disease Retina Pigmentosa. Never one to let anything stop him, he and Judy bought a resort in Henning, MN. Many happy memories were created at Middle Leaf Resort. Often customers would find Allen in the store ready with a joke or listening to books on tape. He also became a founding member of the Henning Lions Club. 

In 1977, the family headed off to a new experience, Fergus Falls community college where he was just going to take a few business classes. This led to a degree from the University Minnesota Morris, graduating Magna Cum Laude and being the first in the Geffe family to earn a BA. Upon graduating, Allen and Judy decided again to become business owners running the Ottertail laundromat and car wash. Day or night the customers there could find Allen holding a 3lb. coffee can full of quarters, practicing his Spanish and ready with a funny story to share. As an active member of the Ottertail community, he served on the Business Association and City Council. Allen never let his blindness stop him. 

Shortly before retiring, Allen convinced his daughter and son in law, Thor Dahle, to take scuba lesson with him, reigniting a passion from his high school days. From Lake Superior to the Caribbean, Allen and Thor made over 100 dives. The freedom of scuba diving brought him great joy and countless stories. His most important joy was watching his family grow, from his daughter Colleen and son-in-law Thor. He was very proud of his grandsons and their families - Noah (Emily) and great grandchildren Calvin & Zoe - Seth (Bridgett) and great grandsons Oliver & Nyle. Allen is preceded in death by his brother, Gordon and parents, Alice and Henry.

Private family services are planned. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to the Lions Club International lionsclub.org/en/donate