Allen Lee Baunsgard

Allen Baunsgard, our beloved father, grandfather and friend, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday morning, August 16, 2023. Allen was born to Rhoda and Lee Allen Baunsgard on April 4, 1936, in Seattle, Washington. He was predeceased by his younger brother Glen Baunsgard, and is survived by younger sisters Virginia Klingsheim, Carol Berry, Lyn Boyd, and LeeAnn Kasdan.

Allen’s growing up years were filled with a loving Christian family, a passion for music and cars, and a variety of church activities at Calvary Temple, Seattle. He played trumpet in the band and sang second soprano in the Boy’s Glee at John Marshall Junior High.

Allen continued to play trumpet at Roosevelt High School and also with Bud Tutmarc at Calvary Temple, where the music activities were thriving. It was during this time that he felt God calling him to pastoral ministries, with the proviso that he give up his obsession with cars!

After high school graduation Allen pursued his college education at Central Bible Institute in Springfield, Missouri. He traveled for the college with a trumpet trio called the King’s Clarions. Two years later he transferred to Northwest Bible College (now Northwest University) to pursue a degree in pastoral ministries. The college, located in Seattle, was just one block from the Baunsgard home. While waiting in line to register at Northwest he was spotted by Joann Perkins, who determined that she would marry him! Allen was singing at the time with the Northwest Harvesters, and they needed a pianist; Joann volunteered for the job and their lives together began. After graduating they were married in August of 1958.

Joann and Allen began ministry together at the Assembly of God church in Cheyenne, Wyoming and soon moved on to Newell, South Dakota. Both of their daughters were born in Deadwood, South Dakota: Doreen Renee in 1959 and Denice Joann in 1961.

From South Dakota Allen and Joann moved on to ministry in the Beacon Hill area of Seattle, and later to Tacoma Life Center. During these years Allen was active in planning, preparing and leading the Assemblies of God Northwest District Youth Choirs on ten tours…a passion that he shared with Joann. Allen was the Northwest District Youth Director until 1974. In later years they moved on to pastor Anacortes First Assembly and Hillcrest Assembly in Bremerton, finishing their pastoral journey at Bethany Christian Assembly.

Allen led a life of ministry, evangelism and discipling people for Christ. He had a passion for winning people to Jesus and prayed often for family and friends. He was beloved by his congregants and was known for his compassion for all, not to mention his witty sense of humor.

Joann, the love of his life and his spouse of 61 years, passed away in 2019. He is survived by his daughters Dori Baunsgard and son-in-law Mark Lee, Denice French and son-in-law Dwayne French, three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.