Allen Colligan

Allen L. Colligan, age 83, passed away at his home surrounded by his family under the care of Red River Valley Hospice on Monday, February 17, 2025. Visitation will be from 2:00–5:00 p.m. with a time for sharing at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, MN. Visitation will resume on Monday, February 24 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

Al was born in Bagley on October 20, 1941, to Thomas and Adeline (Rotzien) Colligan. He was raised on a farm south of Bagley. He attended grade school at the Nora Township Country School and graduated from Bagley High School in 1959. Allen was active in basketball, baseball, and track for the Flyers. He graduated from Bemidji State College.

Al arrived in Mahnomen in 1963 and soon after married Rose Riewer on January 23rd, 1965. Together they raised three daughters, Susan, Karen, and Ann. Al spent 35 years teaching English, speech, psychology, and motivation to the students at Mahnomen High School. Sports were a big part of his life and his many years as the head track coach was where he thrived and touched many students lives. Al’s 30 years as student council advisor and his leadership of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle group also opened many opportunities to impact the school community. Al became the unofficial “Voice of the Indians” through his football game announcing and being the MC at many school events. Officiating high school basketball was one of his passions. He and Ken Baumann worked many games throughout Minnesota during their career together. Al was an active member in the Mahnomen community. He and Rose owned two businesses. They were the original co-owners of the Burger Hut that opened in 1970 and were also co-owners of the Midtown apartment building. He also served on the Mahnomen Hospital Commission for over 25 years. 

Upon retirement Al and Rose made the move to Star Lake by Dent, Minnesota. It was here that they found themselves continually surrounded by family as the draw of swimming, fishing, boating and spending time with family was the highlight of their life together. Al always fancied himself a farmer and the wide-open lot at Star Lake gave him the garden of his dreams. Many hours were spent producing the fresh vegetables that were a treat on “family” weekends.

Al was passionate in his support of his grandkids and their endeavors, especially in extra-curricular activities. Elementary band concerts, grandparent days, and sporting events were seldom missed. Viking orange, Spartan blue, and Jacket yellow all looked great on Al, and you could not convince gramps that his grandkids weren’t some of the best to do whatever it was they were doing. Al did not neglect his love of deer hunting and was also able to share that with his family. He was in his little bit of heaven-on-earth when he started bringing his sons-in-laws and the grandsons up to Bagley to hunt the old farmstead. The tradition of having morning coffee with the round table of men who could “solve all the world’s problems” did not end after he left the Red Apple in Mahnomen. Al had a gift of finding these “intelligent groups” in the cafés of Dent, Pelican Rapids, and Vergas. Al just had a knack for starting conversations and fitting right in with almost any group. 

Preceding Al in death were his parents Thomas and Adeline Colligan, brother Lyle, brothers-in-law, Gerald Riewer and Peter Riewer, sister-in-law, Eileen Riewer Lewis, nephews Ken Colligan and Jeff Riewer, and great nephews Ryan Colligan and Sam Riewer.

Al is survived by his wife, Rose; children – Susan (Doug) Bruggeman, Karen (Troy) Weist, Ann (John) Kostynick; grandchildren – Casey Bruggeman, Ryan Bruggeman, Drew (Liza) Weist, Joey (Megan) Weist, Elly Weist, Colton Kostynick, and Connor Kostynick; great grandchildren – Wyatt and Waylon Weist and his bonus foster grandchildren.

Suggestions for memorials to go to Calvary Lutheran Church ministries or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com