Madison- Allen Thayer Slagle, age 99, passed away at Agrace Hospice Care in Madison, WI., on Saturday, August 1, 2020.  He was born on November 9, 1920 in Kansas City, MO., to John and Vera (Heffner) Slagle and was the youngest of five children. Allen served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in New Zealand during the war. He met Aasta Lie during World War II at the San Diego Naval Hospital and were married in Yuma, AZ on August 23, 1942.

Allen was affectionately known as “Uncle Bid” to his family. He graduated from Drury College in Springfield, MO. at 19 years of age, and later earned his Master’s Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. In 1959 he received his Ph. D. in Education from the University of Chicago. His career was spent in public education, both as a teacher and school administrator. Allen was first employed in Independence and North Kansas City, MO., and later in Manitowoc, WI., Akron, OH., and Madison, WI.  In 1982 he retired from the University of Wisconsin as Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Allen was an avid reader, traveler and student of Spanish.  He traveled to many Central and South American countries, always taking local buses on the back roads instead of going to the usual tourist destinations.  Locally, he enjoyed riding his motor scooter, not only in Dane County, but all around southwest Wisconsin. 

Tennis was his favorite sport and he especially enjoyed playing with friends at UW Nielsen Tennis Stadium over many years.  Allen finally had to give up his tennis playing days at the age of 92.  Sadly, the vitality of life in his final years was taken away by Alzheimer’s Disease.

A special thank you to the kind folks at Coventry Village and Agrace Hospice Care in Madison, WI., for all his care. 

Allen is survived by three sons, John (Xiaohong) of Madison, WI., Paul (Nancy) of Reno, NV., and Andrew (Peyton) of Pensacola, FL.; as well as six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 71 years, Aasta (Lie) Slagle; four siblings, John, Helen, Warren and Walter.

At Allen’s request, there will be no services held.

Allen Slagle

November 09, 1920 - August 01, 2020

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