Gordon Allen

Gordon Lawrence Allen, Jr.—also known as Tex, Larry, and to many simply Gordy—age 81, of Fountain, Minnesota, died Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Avia Riverbend Memory Care in Rochester.

Gordon was born April 30, 1944, in Spring Valley, Minnesota, to Pauline (Horsman) Allen and Gordon L. Allen, Sr. His mother named him after his father, who was serving in the U.S. Army during World War II and whose return home was uncertain. Because of this, family members often called him Larry. During his early years, Gordon lived with his mother and grandparents while his father was in the military. He grew up in rural Spring Valley before the family later moved to Babbitt and eventually Chatfield, Minnesota.

One of Gordon’s most enduring nicknames began in eighth grade, when he moved to Babbitt and boarded the school bus wearing cowboy boots. His classmates assumed that meant he was from Texas, and the name “Tex” stuck with him through high school, college, and beyond.

Gordy graduated from Babbitt High School and attended college at the University of Minnesota Duluth before completing his degree at Bemidji State University. It was there that he met Mary Lyman. The two were married on May 27, 1967, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, beginning a partnership that would span 58 years.

Gordon began his teaching career in Roseau, Minnesota. He and Mary later both taught in Stillwater where he also coached football and basketball. They then returned to southeastern Minnesota following the sudden death of Gordon’s father. The couple moved to the family farm near Fountain to help Gordon’s mother and support his younger sisters. Gordon and Mary actively farmed for more than a decade, raising beef cattle, before returning fully to their teaching careers in the early 1980s.

Over the years, Gordy taught English, math, and science in a wide range of settings, including the Generose Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Chatfield High School, and multiple area alternative learning centers. He finished his career teaching English and Physical Science at Elgin-Millville High School and later Plainview-Elgin-Millville High School. Teaching was more than a profession for Gordy—it was how he cared for people. He loved his students and remained proud of the many young lives he influenced.

When asked what legacy he hoped to leave behind, Gordon answered simply: his trees and his students. From the countless trees he planted on his farm and throughout the community, to the many students who remember his guidance, encouragement, and steady presence, Gordy’s legacy continues to grow.

Outside the classroom, Gordy loved the outdoors and checking on things around the farm. He enjoyed football—especially watching his son Seth and grandson Nathan play—and was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Gophers and Vikings. Above all else, Gordy loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary L. Allen; his children, Cassie (Chris) Allen-Armstrong and Seth (Jennifer) Allen; his grandchildren, John and Will Armstrong, and Nathan and Lucy Allen; his sisters, Muff Allen, Teresa (Lynn) Jeche, and Tracy Allen; his brother-in-law, Bob (Jill) Lyman; and his sisters-in-law, Alice (Dan) Larson and Rose Lyman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon L. Allen, Sr. and Pauline Allen, and by his brothers-in-law, Lonnie Lyman and Wayne Deden.

Gordon’s family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Avia Riverbend Memory Care and Seasons Hospice for their compassion and excellent care.

A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Legion Room at the Chatfield Center for the Arts. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Chatfield Education Foundation.

Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service of Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements.