Michael Allured, third-generation publisher of MC Publishing Company, producer of Manufacturing Confectioner, passed away Oct. 24 at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was 68.
Allured was born May 30, 1953, in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Allen and Coralene (Connell) Allured. He graduated from Glen Rock High School in Glen Rock, N.J. and Colorado College. He married Mary Preuss on Aug. 4, 1979.
In an online post, MC Publishing said Allured officially joined the family business in 1986. Allured was treasurer of the American Association for Candy Technologists (AACT), served on committees for the Professional Manufacturing Confectioners Association (PMCA) and Retail Confectioners International (RCI), and supported many other organizations in the confectionery industry. His contributions were recognized by AWMA’s Leadership Development Division in 1993. In 2000, he received PMCA’s Service Award. He also received RCI’s Bornhofft Award in 2011 and AACT’s Stroud Jordan Award in 2014.
Allured created the Allured Fund for Confectionery Education in memory of Allen, Earl and Prudence Allured.
“The Allureds felt that strong education programs, made widely available, help to ensure a vibrant and everlasting industry,” the MC Publishing post reads. “Mike believed there was always something to learn by listening, and regularly lent an ear to industry colleagues.”
Prior to joining MC Publishing, Allured worked 11 years building wooden boats at Nimphius Boats. He had also served on the town board of Crystal Lake Township, Wisconsin, later becoming town chairman. He was treasurer for many years at St. John Lutheran Church and was involved with the Boy Scouts of America while his children were growing up.
An obituary posted by Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care said Allured enjoyed woodworking and gardening, especially tomato plants and growing orchids. In his spare time, he liked playing tennis, skiing, playing frisbee, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.
“He made friends wherever he went, often bringing chocolate with him to share,” the obituary reads. “He will be remembered especially for his generosity, thoughtfulness and humor.”
Allured is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Amy (Danny) Grosholz; son, Ethan (Brittany) Allured; granddaughter, Violet Allured; mother, Coralene; brother, William (Candida) Allured; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Allured.
A memorial service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care in Madison, Wisconsin, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 5. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Allured’s family asks industry members to share memories and stories by sending them to MemoriesofMike@gomc.com. Donations to the Allured Fund are also appreciated.
