William B. Allen was born October 19, 1927 in Mohall to Floyd T. and Gertrude E. Allen.  He attended school in Mohall and graduated from Mohall High School in 1945.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard Cruisers in the European Theater of operations until October of 1948.  He then attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Bill returned to Mohall and joined his father in the family business, Allen Chevrolet Company.  In August of 1954, Bill married Doris M. Hawkinson who was the medical technician at the local RBM Hospital.  They raised two sons, Jon W. Allen, who is a physician in Grand Forks and instructor at the UND School of Medicine; and Robert D. Allen, of Minot, who is a professional engineer for the State of North Dakota.  Bill and Doris have six grandchildren.

Bill stayed in the automotive business, with his brother, until they sold the family business in 1984.  He stayed on at the dealership as parts and service manager until his retirement in 1995. 

An active and involved community member, Bill served on the Mohall City Council for 22 years and served as Mayor for one year.  He drove school bus for the Mohall school district for 48 years, and is a life member of the Mohall Fire Department.  He is a life member and past commander of the Mohall American Legion.  He was also an EMT and ambulance driver for the Mohall Ambulance Service, past Master of the Mohall Masonic Lodge and former chairman of the United Methodist Church Board in Mohall.  He served 20 years on the Selective Service Board for this area and is currently the Renville County Veterans Service Officer.

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