Allen Lloyd Thrall

Allen was born the fourth of nine children to Irving and Helen Thrall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 26, 1931. He was a boxer for a short period of time in his early years before following in his father’s footsteps as a painter and wallpaper hanger, carrying on Thrall’s Paperhanging. Through this work, he had many opportunities to share the gospel.

Allen was introduced to the things of God by Gus (Nettie) Quindt through Wauwatosa Bible Chapel in Wisconsin where he and his brother Bob attended summer camp. At the age of 19, Allen accepted the Lord as his Savior through a Gideon Bible in a motel room in Dallas, Texas. He was involved in the Youth for Christ of Milwaukee and it was there he met his wife, Ellen, who at that time, had been spending her summers working at a children’s home in Kentucky. Allen and Ellen married on April 3, 1954 and spent their first year of marriage as house parents in Kentucky at the children’s home.

He was a natural and dedicated leader and became a pastor, teacher, and evangelist, serving the Lord alongside his wife for 68 years in various ministries. He served as the pastor of Northside Bible Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin from 1960 to 1972. Shortly after, he and his family moved to South Houston, Texas, where he served as an elder at South Houston Bible Chapel and Pineview Bible Chapel. While in Texas, he also pastored Calvary Bible Church in Clear Lake and served on the board of Camp Peniel, a Christian camp in Marble Falls. Later, Allen and Ellen moved back to Wisconsin in the city of Marshfield and served together in the Rural Bible Crusade (RBC) ministry for 16 years as Directors.

Upon retirement, Allen and Ellen fulfilled a lifetime dream of his to move to Arizona, where he reveled in the mountains and desert beauty. There, he also served as an elder at the Tucson Bible Chapel.

Allen was a loving husband, father, and grandfather with a fun and adventurous spirit. He was a kind hearted, genuine man and a wonderful storyteller; a friend to all who knew him and he always had a big smile. He was an avid baseball fan and faithfully cheered on his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs. Allen loved people and ministering to them, and was especially gifted in ministering to children and youth. He was a shining light and his powerful testimony had a great impact on many. As it says in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Allen was preceded in death by his parents: Irving and Helen Thrall, brothers: Arthur Thrall (Win), Tom Thrall, sisters: Betty Miller, Helen Walker, and grandson: Daniel Sims.

Allen leaves behind his dear wife and companion Ellen Thrall of 68 years. He also leaves behind his siblings: Irving Thrall Jr (Gin, deceased), Bob (Carolyn) Thrall, Bill (Grace) Thrall, and Virginia (Jerry) Quick; his children: Linda Thrall, Janet (Richard) Funderburk, David (Marcia) Thrall, John (Gina) Thrall, and Mary (Alex) Lozano; his grandchildren: David (Megan) Sims, Ryan Thrall, Mark Thrall, Stephanie (Kyle) Hale, Daniel Thrall, Joseph (Ellada) Thrall, Timothy (Maggie) Thrall, Phoebe Thrall, Sarah (David) Moreno, Brandon Lozano and Heather (Steve) Wynn; and his great grandchildren: Marlee and Amya Sims (Daniel Sims), and Konrad, Jacob, and Sophie Sims (David Sims).

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 1, 2023 at Tucson Bible Chapel at 10:00 AM, 1802 E. Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ. 85719

Donations can be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800 or on their website at: www.gideons.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tucson-cremation for the Thrall family.