IRONWOOD, Mich. - Wayne R. Allen Sr., 76, of Ironwood, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.

Wayne was born on Aug. 25, 1949, in Mercer, Wisconsin, son of the late Clarence and Bernice (Elias) Allen. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood. Wayne continued his education at Gogebic Community College and earned a degree in welding.

Wayne dedicated more than 30 years to the White Pine Copper Mine, and later he retired as a supervisor from Ottawa Forest Products.

Wayne was a master chef who volunteered his talents for the Ironwood Veterans of Foreign Wars steak feeds and enjoyed cooking the annual Thanksgiving dinner for Nora's Red Carpet Lounge.

Wayne was an avid sportsman and gardener. During his retirement, he enjoyed working on puzzles, going to the casino and spending time with his family. Wayne will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, joyful singing and happy whistling.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Wayne is survived by his son, Wayne (Melissa) Allen; two sisters, Beverly (Brian) Tousignant and Debbie (John) Spaulding; his fiancé, Debbie Galarno; their dog, Dolly; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann (Johnson) Allen, on July 11, 2016; a son, Carl Allen; a brother, Larry Allen; an infant sister, Donna Allen; and many good friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.