Allen Gale Sigafus

Allen Sigafus, 98, of North Mankato, died June 16, 2023.

Allen was born with his twin brother, Alvin, to the late Edward and Nellie May (Metcalf) Sigafus, on September 21, 1924 at their home in Rush Township, Illinois. He graduated from Apple River High School, Illinois, in 1942.

Allen enlisted in the Army Air Corp on February 15, 1943. He was in the 368^th Bombardment Squadron 306 Bombardment Group based in England during World War II. He was the flight engineer and top turret gunner on a Flying Fortress, a B-17 bomber which made bombing raids over Germany.

After the war, Allen attended the University of Wisconsin where he majored in Sociology and Criminology. He married Kathryn Patricia Roberts on June 21,1948. After graduation, they moved to Minnesota. Allen worked as a Social Worker in Red Lake Falls from 1949-1951, and as Director of Pope County Welfare in Glenwood until 1956. His final work move was in January 1956 when he accepted the position as Director of Blue Earth County Welfare.

Allen’s wife, Kathryn, died on October 20,1973.

While in Mankato, Allen began a 10-year effort where he was a significant proponent of integration of services. The resulted in the creation of the Human Services Department which integrated all social services under one structure. Allen retired in 1987, after 31 years of service to Blue Earth County.

Allen married Loretta (Weingartz) Schumacher on March 23, 1984. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage until her death in August of 2022.

In early retirement, he volunteered at Oaklawn Nursing Home and in Legislative Affairs for AARP. Allen and Loretta enjoyed biking together around hilltop Mankato.  In the winter, he cross country skied in Erlandson Park. He was a kindhearted, generous, and compassionate man. His Christian faith remained important to Allen throughout his life. He was very passionate about service to others which is a value he instilled in his family. He was proud of his career in government and felt we all have a responsibility to be good citizens.

Allen is survived by children, Katy (Dave) Wortel, Bob (Cathy) Sigafus, Paul (Rita) Sigafus, Christine (Vance) Watkins and Phil (Marguerite) Sigafus; stepchildren, Kay (Dave) Rock, Michael Schumacher, Judy Jacobs, Jacob (Carol) Schumacher, Joseph (Kris) Schumacher, Gustaf (Lisa) Schumacher, James Schumacher, Tina (Bob) Gregor and William (Nena) Schumacher; 26 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Laurie Jacobs.

The family thanks the staff at Oak Terrace Assisted Living, St. Croix Hospice and Dr. Tom Brennan for their kind and compassionate care.

Celebration on Life Service will be at noon Friday, July 14, 2023 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation starts at 11. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato.

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