Allen Sundlie
Rank: MSgt
Entered Into Eternal Rest
2008-01-06
Allan Pierce Sundlie, 75,was born May 26, 1932 on the family farm near Rutland, ND to Elmer Marcellous and Magnhild (Nockleby) Sundlie. As a youngster, he grew up there and attended rural Sargent County Schools. He graduated from Forman High School in 1951.
In December of 1951, Allan began a 20 year career in the United States Air Force. As a part of his active duty, Allan served for a period of time in Viet Nam, and made several parachute jumps.
He was married to Minnette M. Elkins from 1954 to 1976, and had two children with her. During their time together, the family resided in a number of different places, including Nebraska, France, Georgia, the state of Washington, California and Kansas. In December of 1971 while living in Mississippi, Allan retired from full-time military duty. He took a Civil Service position with the United States.
On June 9, 1978 he married Jean Keen. For the next eleven years, they lived in New Orleans, LA, Forman, ND and Portland, OR, where Allan worked for the postal service. In 1989, they returned to Forman, where they owned and operated JJ’s Hotel and Café for the next six years. After retiring from the café, Allan worked part-time for Martinsen Home Center in Forman, drove school bus and did furnace, air-conditioner and appliance repair work for people in and around the Forman area.
Allan was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Forman. He was a life member of Post #6339 of the V.F.W. and also belonged to Sargent Post #82 of the American Legion of Forman. He was extremely proud to have made one last parachute jump on his 70th birthday.
Allan is survived by his wife, Jean Sundlie of Forman; a daughter: Sharon Marie North of Pensacola, FL; a son, Joseph Allan Sundlie of New York, NY; a step-son, Bryan (Pam) Barrs of Forman; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Eleanor (William) Workman of Portland, OR; a brother: Elmer (Isabel) Sundlie of Lexington, SC; and several nieces, nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.
