McAllen, Thomas E.

On July 17, 2017, Thomas E. McAllen, a native son of Wisconsin, passed from this Earth. He died peacefully at his residence, with his devoted son and daughter by his side.

Tommy, as he was affectionately known to some, was born on April 6, 1934 in Crandon. His parents, Monnie (Foster) and Leo Dault, moved the family to the Sheboygan area where he was raised with six siblings. He grew up poor but quickly learned the virtues of dedication, hard work and good humor, and those qualities would serve him well for the rest of his life. He began his education in a one room school house and graduated from Central High School 1953; he then briefly attended Oshkosh State University. He enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1955. He returned to Sheboygan and worked in various jobs.

In 1958, he married Patricia Steinbruecker, his first and only true love. They moved to Milwaukee where Tom began his life long career with Hobart Corporation. He began as a salesman and found that he could sell anything to anyone. After their second child was born, the McAllens relocated to California. Eventually he was promoted to Regional Manager with a territory encompassing the western United States. In 1979, he purchased a Hobart franchise in Albuquerque, New Mexico which he operated until the business was sold in 1996. Tom liked to say that he never worked a day in his life because each day at work was a pleasure.

Tom adapted to retired life very well. He loved golfing, playing cards, fishing, travelling, eating bratwurst, watching the Packers on television and tending to his vegetable garden. One of his enjoyments was hosting his grandchildren during the summers, during which visits much time was spent in the pool and playing PacMan. He also enjoyed his frequent jaunts to Las Vegas and was commended by the city for his “many contributions”.

In 2014, he moved to Santa Maria, California to be closer to family. It was here that he learned the pleasures of a slower life. He enjoyed the simpler things like going to the movies, restaurants, and visiting with his children and grandchildren.

Tom was of quick wit and full of pranks. His sense of humor has been given many labels but “odd” seems appropriate. He had a gift for telling jokes. He could make an otherwise stupid joke seem funny. He had a smooth manner and charm, and loved people. He was known for his generosity, not only to family and friends but also to individuals he met for the first time. He was also color blind and had a terrible sense of fashion. This resulted in a wardrobe that was always sure to be a subject of conversation and admiration. His children have a treasure trove of wonderful memories: dad playing catch in the front yard, cross country RV adventures, fishing trips, holidays, cribbage, lousy movies, and just conversation. Dad liked to teach by example: some times by what he did; other times by what he shouldn’t have done. Sisters, brother, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends have hours of tales to tell. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Tom is survived by his son Steven McAllen, MD (Mary); daughter Maribeth McAllen Durazo (Tony); brother Mac McAllen; sisters Ione McAllen Weiss, Dorothy Dault Konz (Roger) and Nancy Dault Ploetz; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Pat; daughter Dawn McAllen McDowell; parents Monnie and Leo Dault, brothers Luther McAllen and Leo Donald Dault; brother-in-laws Edward Weiss and Tom Ploetz.

A memorial service will be held on September 16, 2017 at 9:30AM, at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery, 6706 Superior Avenue, Kohler, Wisconsin. Presiding Pastor will be Alan Kretschmar. A Celebration of Life will follow at a local restaurant. To leave a condolence for

the family visit dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com