Traverse City - Allen Skiver, 69, life long resident of Traverse City passed away peacefully at his home on August 28, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.

Allen was born on October 8, 1946 in Traverse City to the late Carl and Irene Gertrude (Lautner) Skiver.

On December 4, 1965 Allen married his best friend Alexis "Lexie" Evelyn Harris at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Together they have shared 50 years of fun, love, and good times.

Allen was the owner of Skiver Construction for 25 years. He loved his cabin, hunting, and talking about the old times with his friends and family. He enjoyed tinkering and building things in his pole barn, dancing to country music and playing golf. When he was not outside, he was cheering on the Detroit Tigers. Above all else, Allen loved his family and his little white Maltese Lilly who was attached to his hip. Allen will be remembered fondly for his endless sense of humor and sharp wit.

Allen was preceded in death by his sister June Waslowski.

Allen is survived by his wife Lexie, their children Dean (Chris) Skiver of Gillette, WY, Amy Skiver of Traverse City, Greg (Heather) Skiver of Traverse City; grandchildren Courtney (Drew) Ramsey, Leeann Skiver, Cole Skiver, Autumn Skiver, and Summer Skiver; great grandchildren Leena Ramsey, Malin Ramsey, and Jane Ramsey; and sisters Ila (Larry) Stowe and Gertrude (Terry) Ritola.

The memorial service celebrating Allen's life will be held on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Pastor Christopher Cox will lead the service. The family asks that all friends and family dress casually and wear any camo gear that you have.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cowell Family Cancer Center.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your condolences and memories with the family.

The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.