Arvilla Jean Allen 93 Born to life – October 30, 1925 Born to eternity – May 11, 2019 Arvilla Allen (nee Friesenborg) was born in Lincoln Township, Iowa, on October 30, 1925, to William and Opal Friesenborg. The family grew (6 more siblings), and as a young girl, she lived with her family on a farm in Buffalo Center, Iowa. She obtained her teaching certificate after completion of high school and began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse.
Having met the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Allen, she and Gene were married on January 20, 1945, and celebrated 71 years of marriage, until 2016 when he preceded her in death. They were married just a short time before his deployment to the South Pacific during World War II. Upon his return they started their family and moved to Rockford, Illinois.
It was a busy life for this family with four children. Arvilla led a full and active life, surrounding her family with love. She taught school in both Iowa and Rockford, owned the Doll House Restaurant, dress shops, and other various jobs, but taking wonderful care of her home and family was her passion.
She was a long-time member of Messiah Lutheran Church (now United Lutheran) and an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Blackhawk Volunteer Fire Department, and an avid bowler. In their “spare” time she and Gene loved to travel with the family, camp, fish, dance, and travel the U.S. on their Goldwing motorcycle. Her gentle spirit, her sense of humor, and love of life will be missed by all who loved and knew her.
Arvilla is survived by her children: Ronelle (Frank) Williams, Vicki Allen, Kathy LIke, and Kurt (Charolette) Allen; grandchildren: Pamela (Troy) French, Rhonda Gasaway, Matthew (Lori) Like, Trisha (Tom) Gilbert, Adam (Heather) Like, and Amanda (Jarrod) Dunnavan, and Brett Allen; 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; siblings: sister, Jacklyn Larson, brother, Gary (Linda) Friesenborg, sister-in-law, Karen Friesenborg, and brother-in-law, Marwood Allen. She is also survived by many other loving family members and friends. Predeceased by husband: Gene, parents: Bill and Opal Friesenborg, brothers: Billy, Marlin, and Tim Friesenborg, sister: Arlette Friesenborg, sister-in-law: Mary Allen, grandson: Christopher WIlliams, and son-in-law: Adrian Like.
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by Funeral services at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Anderson-Long-Klontz Funeral Home, 6825 Weaver Road, Rockford. with Rev. Julane Nease, Pastor of United Lutheran Church, officiating.
Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
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