Allen D. Svalstad

Allen Dean Svalstad, 83, of Cut Bank, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2021.

He was born October 14,1938 in Vermillion, South Dakota to Alvin and Inez Svalstad. In 1956, Allen’s family travelled to Gold Coast, Africa where his father taught at Takoradi Technical Institute on a Fulbright teaching grant. During that time the Gold Coast gained independence from England and became Ghana. They returned to the states in 1957 and Allen went on to graduate from high school in Pierre, South Dakota in 1959. Subsequently, Allen attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for 1 year, then completed his Bachelor Degree in Education at Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota. After graduation he became a teacher at Manley, Iowa, later he sold pictures nationwide and worked in the oil fields in Gillette, Wyoming.

Allen met the love of his life, Jane Elizabeth Campbell, while working for the Glacier Reporter in Browning when she brought in an article for the newspaper. They were married in Thompson Falls, Montana on August 24, 1974. In October of 1978, they brought home Daniel, their true pride and joy. Allen went on to earn his Master Degree in Education from Utah State University in the mid 1980’s. For 35 years, Allen was the school librarian for Browning Public Schools, which included Hutterite Colony outreach.

Allen enjoyed camping and especially loved hunting with his son, Danny. He was an avid reader, especially of old westerns and had a great love for Edgar Allen Poe. He was a tremendous Cut Bank Wolves sports enthusiast. He rarely missed a game and was famous for wearing his wolf-head cap! He also loved eating out at the Village Restaurant where he had many friends.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Inez; infant brother, David; and his beloved wife, Jane. He is survived by two sisters, Dawn (Charles) Berger and Linda (Terrance) Young, both of Helena; one brother, Robin (Debbie) Svalstad of El Cajon, CA; his son, Daniel (Rebekah) Svalstad of Cut Bank along with two granddaughters, Taylor Head of Chinook and Caitlin Lane of Cut Bank; one great-granddaughter, Scarlette, of Cut Bank.

Memorial services will be Thursday, December 2, at 1pm at Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby. A reception at the Shelby Senior Center will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a local charity of your choice.