Allen Paul Ridgway, 47, Mitchell, passed away November 9th at his home after courageously battling a rare and aggressive cancer. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church on Thursday, November 14, 2013. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Arrangements are under the direction of Will Funeral Chapel. Allen was born May 10, 1966 in Platte to Edward and Sharon (Clark) Ridgway. He graduated from Platte High School in 1985, after which he attended MTI in Mitchell and graduated in 1986. In January of 1990, Allen met his future wife, Janell Voelker. They were married on August 24, 1991 in Howard, and lived in Volga where Allen worked for Twin City Fans in Brookings. The family moved to Mitchell in 1995 where Allen continued to work for Twin City Fans at the Mitchell location. Allen started working for AKG North America in 2005 when they opened a plant in Mitchell. He was one of the five original employees and got the opportunity to train in Germany for 7 weeks. He remained employed there until the time of his passing. Allen was sociable, outgoing and made friends quickly. Enduring friendships was a natural part of who Allen was, especially with his softball teammates, co-workers and high school friends. "He'd give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it," was said of Allen's generosity. Animals, too, benefited from his generous spirit and as a child was known to bring home turtles, frogs, fish, cats, dogs, or any animal he felt in need of rescue. Allen was known for his chivalrous and protective nature toward all the women in his life, especially his wife. During his illness, he continued his involvement in his children's lives, attending and assisting in their sports and school activities. With softball being Allen's second family, he inspired his teammates as both a player and a coach for the past eleven years. Even with a terminal diagnosis, Allen showed courage and determination during his 1 ½ year battle which touched many people. He was truly an example to emulate. Allen is survived by his wife Janell, sons Derek and Jacob, and daughter Erin; parents Edward and Sharon; brothers: Chuck, Brandon; Clark, Fargo, ND; and Jeff, Mitchell; sisters: Lynn (Joseph) Klein, Gregory; Cheryl (Larry) Dalldorf, Kimball; Jody Ridgway, Gregory; and Robin Ridgway, Mitchell; mother-in-law Marilyn (James) Tucek; brothers-in-law: Douglas (Teresa), Rodger (Pascale), Jesse (Laurie), and Tony Voelker; sisters-in-law: Darla (Rick) Kofford, and Jolene (Fred) Geffre; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Aunt Deanna Ridgway, and father-in-law George Voelker.