Allan J. Bell

Allan James Bell, 96 of Tomahawk Wisconsin, passed away at the Golden Living Riverview Nursing Home on Tuesday August 11, 2015. Born in Tomahawk Wisconsin to Harry Garfield Bell and Vinnie E (Reynolds) Bell on November 20, 1918. Allan graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1936 Survived by his son Lance Bell(Karen) of Spring Green, Wisconsin two grandchildren Kjerstin, Spring Green and Siri, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Son Dean ,Rhinelander Wisconsin. One Grandson Dan Dietzler, Rhinelander Wisconsin. two great-grandchildren, Terry and Jacob Dietzler, Rhinelander. Allan married Dorothy Mae Clark on October 10, 1942. Allan served in WWII as a Heavy Bomber Pilot, flying 39 missions in the South Pacific. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and seven Air Medals. After the war, Allan returned to Tomahawk and worked for the Service Drug Store, Raymond Lumber Company, the Tomahawk School system, and the Wisconsin National Guard Armory. Allan enjoyed hunting and fishing until Camp 10 Ski Hill opened near Rhinelander. Every Saturday and Sunday he would load up the Station wagon with young Tomahawk skiers and headed there for a day of skiing. Later in life he started to spend time at the Clearing in Door County photographing nature and bird watching. This lead to lecturing with slide shows on the natural world and eventually writing a column for 30 years called Birch Bark Nature Notes. After years of service at Treehaven Nature Center he received recognition for his community service and volunteering efforts . He also spent time helping establish the Tomahawk Historical Society where in 2012 the annual service award was granted to and named after him. He volunteered time when the Ice Age Trail was built near Tomahawk. Allan was a member of the Congregational Church and taught Sunday School. AJ also served in the CCC's after high School to help support his mother after his father died. Allan was also granted a life membership in the "Quiet Birdmen," a fraternal organization of pilots with many hours of flying time. He also enjoyed working with their organization at the EAA Fly In every year. He also attended WWII Bomb Group reunions and stayed connected to his crew and their families throughout the years. His B-24 Liberator and crew is featured in many books written about the South Pacific campaign during the war. Allan's nature columns and lectures of the natural world were aimed at helping people understand their natural environment in hopes that they would be kinder to it and try and live a more peaceful and appreciative life. Allan was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 14 yrs Dorothy (62). The Bell family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Golden Living-Riverview and the Hospice organization for the kindness and compassion shown to Allan and the other residents during his brief stay at their facility. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Krueger Funeral Home on Thursday, August 20th A Memorial Service with Military honors will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery Memorial contributions can be made in Allan's name to the Tomahawk Historical Society, 1614 Riverview Lane, Tomahawk, WI 54487