Allen B. Mendini

Allen was born on Sept. 22, 1941 in Iron Mountain, the son of Luella (Lindholm) Mendini and the late Camillo Mendini. He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1959 and was a lifelong resident of the area.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years and continued his service in the Michigan National Guard for over 22 years.

Allen married Penny Clark on Oct. 25, 1969, at First Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain.

Following his graduation from Iron Mountain High School in 1959, Al attended Augustana College and Northern Michigan University briefly before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam from 1965-1966 as an infantry indirect fire crewman with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry.

Upon returning to the area, he worked for R.G. Joiner Construction Company for over 40 years as a laborer then a carpenter. He was well known for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. Al later also worked for the CR Meyer Company on many area projects.

Al joined the Michigan Army National Guard in 1972 as a combat engineer in Company D(-)107 Engineers. He retired from the Guard in 1994 with the rank of sergeant first class.

Al was involved in many area organizations over the years. First and foremost would be his devotion to his faith and his church, First Lutheran Church. He was actively involved in church life for many years through the church council, building and grounds, funerals, teaching Sunday School, wild game feeds, and Wednesday morning breakfasts and Bible study with the guys.

Al was also a member of Elks Lodge 700 in Iron Mountain and was selected Elk of the Year for his work with handicapped/disabled children and held the office of Exalted Ruler.

His love for the outdoors led him to be involved in the Ruffed Grouse Society.

He was especially proud of his involvement with the Lilja Committee in Iron Mountain and the many city beautification projects they funded and worked on.

Al was a Gold Card Member of Laborers Union Local 1329 as well as the Michigan Carpenters Union.

Al loved spending time at deer camp with his father, brothers, son, and grandson. He was an extraordinary cook and loved to keep the traditions alive. His second home, the cottage he built on Armstrong Lake, was his masterpiece and refuge.

Al also loved to spend time watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Allen is survived by his wife, Penny; mother, Luella; son, Andrew (Amy) Mendini; daughter, Maria (Mark) Mendini-Fuller; his siblings, Bruce (Jackie) Mendini, Diane (Dave) Lindberg, Ted (Sandy) Mendini, Christine (Mike) Hamlin, Martha (Jerry) Trepanier, Mark Mendini, Kelly (Sandi) Mendini and Bernie (Sam) Thacker; grandchildren, Alyssa and Evan Mendini and Cecelia Fuller; sister-in-law, Melanie Mendini; as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends.

In addition to his father, Allen was preceded in death by one brother, Daniel.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain with a memorial service to follow at noon. Pastor Bryan Laurila will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Family Ties Adult Day Care Center.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Allen B. Mendini online at http://www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.