Obituary of John Allinger

John Per Ulf Allinger passed away at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC on May 27, 2014 at the age of 83.

John was born in Stockholm, Sweden on November 17, 1930. His father trained him to be a house painter. In addition to house painter, John was a member of the prestigious Kings Guard in Sweden's National Service. He loved to play the piano and composed several tunes, including one similar to a song that later became very popular. He immigrated to Canada as a young man, where he married his first wife. They had one son.

The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where John, his wife and son became US citizens. John earned a scholarship to Arizona State University, where he majored in English and graduated at the top of his class. After graduation he taught high school English in Phoenix. He was also a leader in a Swedish-American organization and in a Swedish folk dance group as well as playing in a three-piece band.

After a brief second marriage, John moved to Raleigh, NC, about 1980. For many years he and his third wife were the leaders of the Scandinavian Folk Dancers of Raleigh, and they were instrumental in starting the Carl Larsson Lodge of the Vasa Order of America (a Swedish-American fraternal organization) in Raleigh.

Over his lifetime John was a house painter, painting contractor, high school English teacher, restaurant owner and an independent insurance broker. He was also an excellent cook and tennis player. He wrote one novel, and he also wrote poetry. John is survived by his son in California and his younger brother in Sweden. He leaves behind many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vasa Order of America Scholarship Fund, c/o John Butts, 710 Overhill Terrace, Durham, NC 27707-1808.

There will be a celebration of John's life on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at 10:30 AM at Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, phone 919-772-1073.