It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Allen James Louks, who died on April 22, 2025, at the age of 76, after a long and difficult nine-year journey following a stroke. We take comfort in knowing he is finally free from pain and at peace. We like to imagine him once again able to enjoy the small joys of life.
Allen’s story began in Reed City, MI, born on February 21, 1949. He was the middle of three children—his older sister, Janice, and younger brother, Darrell. His father, Max, ran a pine tree farm and taught agricultural science, while his mother, Audrey, worked at Wolverine World Wide. They lived a simple life.
He was the embodiment of the American Dream. As the family story goes, with just $15 in his pocket and a bag of belongings, he left home at 18. He hitchhiked down Highway 131 to Grand Rapids in search of a better life. He started out in a union job building electrical towers and from there, made his way into retail, selling menswear. He had a successful career in print publishing, advertising, and real estate. A self-made man through and through, he had a sharp eye for style and always believed in putting your best foot forward.
He especially cherished his years in Traverse City, where he met his wife, Chris Foley. He enjoyed the outdoors—skiing, sailing, and hunting. He’d smile telling the story of the night he first saw her across the bar, asking a friend to set them up on a date. He was starstruck, and they were married just four months later! That ended his bachelor years, saying goodbye to his beloved party boat, Miss Behaving.
His passing during Easter time and the story of resurrection reminds us of the power of starting over—something Allen did more than once. He was always the guy who “made it happen.”
His big personality and devotion to his family will be missed beyond words. He is survived by his wife, Chris; twin children, Mary Elizabeth and Michael Allen; granddaughter, Eva; and many beloved family, friends, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Audrey Louks, infant twin brothers; sister, Janice Westenfeld and her husband, Dale Westenfeld; brother, Darrell and his husband, Brad Pierucki; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Foley and her husband, Dave Boner. Sadly Darrell died just three days before Allen.
We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating his life on Monday, April 28, 2025. With so many years unable to travel, he will be looking forward to seeing everyone all together.
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.
Burial will be private at Oak Grove East Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea, MI your local Conservation District, or the charity of your choice.
