Charles Denis Allen, age 77, died Sunday, July 7, 2019, at home, following a long illness.

Denis was born March 29, 1942, in Orange, Calif., to Charles and Vera Allen.  He was baptized on Palm Sunday, April 2, 1944, at the First Congregational Church in Pierre, S.D.  Denis graduated from Pierre High School in 1960 and married Nancy Ann Clauson on June 13, 1964.  Denis graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in 1965 and graduated from South Dakota State University with a master's degree in wildlife biology in 1969.

Following college, he was employed with the Bell Museum of Natural History in Minneapolis, Carver County Nature Center, and retired from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources after 25 years of service.

Denis was a hunter, fisherman and gardener at heart.  He was also a craftsman and could make just about anything with his hands.  He crafted knives, furniture, fishing rods and equipment, canoes and garden tools.  He also enjoyed the fine arts, including classical music and attending plays.

Denis is survived by his wife, Nancy;  sons, Charles "Bradley" and David (Tracy); granddaughters Aubrey Jennifer and Abigail Rose; and cousins Ed Pulcifer and Jeanne Livingston.  The family wishes to thank Mayo Clinic doctors and nurses, and Heartland Hospice for their care and concern.  Nancy would like to thank all of her family and friends for the support given during this difficult time.