Allen Starry

Allen Starry passed away on September 17, 2026, at his home in Alexandria, MN. Allen was born to Elmer and Arlouewen Starry on May 11, 1939, in Melrose, MN.  He was baptized and confirmed at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  

Allen joined the National Guard at age 16 and then served in the Navy (Patrol Squadron Seven, NAS, Brunswick, ME) from 1956-1960.

He met Sonja on New Year’s Day 1963, and they were united in marriage on June 4, 1965, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Allen and Sonja were longtime residents of Osakis where they raised their three children.

He worked in construction for CECO Corp and drove trucks for Standard Oil. He became a self-employed truck driver – a career that lasted for over 30 years.

Allen was on the church council for Salem Lutheran Church and served as a church janitor. He also volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels.

Allen loved to “modify” things and was an inventor. He invented a “ValveCapper” tool used by truck drivers and mechanics to this day. He built two houses and did beautiful field stone work. Allen liked the outdoors and fishing. He also enjoyed coffee “with the boys” and made several visits to see his daughters in Texas.

Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Judy Fisher, and granddaughter Hally Dudley. Surviving him are his wife Sonja, children - Tanya (Vince) Umholtz, Karla (Monte) Schumann, Matthew (Michelle) Starry, James (Mary) Starry, Steven (Diana) Starry, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, sister Jane Hoffman, sister-in-law Anna Marie Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 29 at Salem Lutheran Church, 16134 170th St, Osakis at 11 am with visitation one hour prior to the service. 

A short internment graveside service will take place directly after. A luncheon reception will follow. 

The service will be livestreamed on Salem/Sauk Valley Lutheran Church’s Facebook page if you are unable to attend.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to:

Salem Lutheran Church Missions, 16134 170th Street Osakis, MN 56360

Vivie Foundation - Hospice 2715 Highway 29 South, Suite 103, Alexandria, MN 56308 https://vivie.org/foundation