G. W. Mcallen

Dr. Garfield “Mac” McAllen, 95, passed away on December 13, 2011, at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo. Mac was born June 15, 1916, in Park River, ND. He was the son of Robert and Carrie McAllen. After graduation from Marshall High School in Mpls, Mac attended the Illinois School of Optometry, graduating as a Dr. of Optometry in 1939. His first optometric practice was in Cavalier, ND where he met his wife, Mary (Betty) Simons. Betty and Mac were married on Dec. 21, 1940, in Duluth, MN. They made their home in Hallock, MN where Mac practiced optometry for 50 years. His practice still flourishes as the McAllen-Rutz Eye Clinic. During his years in Hallock, Mac was instrumental in starting the Lions Club and the Eagles. He was also involved in the Masons and Elks Club. Mac was the chairman of the Kittson Co. Republicans for 25 years. In his professional life, Mac was an innovator, introducing the first preschool screening (1947). He was the first to fit contact lenses in the Red River Valley. He served on the MN Board of Optometry and served as the president of the State Board of Examiners. After retirement in 1987, Mac and Betty moved to Alamo, TX. Mac served for a time as the interim city manager for the city of Alamo. In 1996, he and his wife moved to Fargo to be closer to family. Mac is survived by his wife, Betty, and children Trish (Bruce) Melin of Waite Park, Marilyn McAllen Solie of Pelican Rapids, Scott (Charlene) McAllen of Detroit Lakes, Vicki (Doug) Pieper of Pine City, Kelly (Rachel) McAllen of Fargo, Gary McAllen of Crystal, Lisa (Nathan) Gillie of New Brighton; 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughters Diane and Theresa. The celebration of Mac’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Chapel. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.