Obituary of Allen Collum

Allen Matthew Collum was born in Monroe on June 2, 1926. He was the son of the late Matthew Collum and the late Leona (Thompson) Collum. Allen joined the United States Army in 1944 and served his country honorably, receiving decorations and citations including a Bronze Battle Star before being discharged in 1946. He then married the love of his life, Nina Sachs, on November 30, 1946. Allen was the best husband, a loving father, and a great teacher. Everything he did was to the best of his ability, and he expected the same of others. Allen had a passion for his Lord and had worshipped at Grace Lutheran Church the past sixty-five years. For many years, Allen worked for the La-Z-Boy Chair Company as a tool and die foreman, as well as in the maintenance department. He was a lifetime member of the Monroe VFW Post 1138. Allen loved bowling and golfing (which he didn't even start until he was 74), 1940's music, old movies, dancing, and his Model-T. Allen and Nina enjoyed going to the cottage they owned on Deep Lake for the past thirty-five years. He also liked boating, especially on his pontoon boat. He enjoyed the company of others and was well known for his "one-liners". Allen, age 85, of Monroe, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 07, 2012. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a brother: Bert Collum and an infant child. To cherish his memory Allen leaves a beloved wife of sixty-five years: Nina; three children: Roxanne Collum of Oregon, Ohio, Kevin Collum of Monroe, and Paul Collum of Monroe; one brother: Harry Collum of Monroe; four grandchildren: Katrina Collum, Stefenni Collum, Tricia Collum, and Katelyn Collum; and two great-grandchildren: Rachel and Dylan. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state at Grace Lutheran Church, 630 North Monroe from 10:00am until Funeral Services at 11:00am, Friday, February 10 with Pastor Ronald Schultz officiating. Procession will follow to Gethsemane Cemetery where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice or Grace Lutheran Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.