Allen W. Roberts, age 79, a longtime resident of Wheaton, died Sunday, January 27, at home. He was born March 12, 1928 and raised in Moorestown, NJ.

Allen graduated from Earlham College in Richmond, IN in 1948 with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. He worked at Bell Labs in Naperville for over 40 years, retiring in 1989. He then worked at the Jewel in Danada for 17 years. He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wheaton where he was known as Grandpa Roberts to the choir members' children. He also formed a "Number One Kids for Christ" group at church. He was an avid runner, ran the Chicago marathon, and he enjoyed scuba diving with the YMCA. For 20 years he volunteered weekly with DONKA at the DuPage Convalescent Center in Wheaton, teaching residents how to use the computer.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth L.; three children, Elisabeth (Victor) Marchen of Mesa, AZ, Henry "Randy" (Susan) of the Middle East, Virginia (George) Mulholland of Naperville. He was the proud grandfather of six, Amanda and Nathan Marchen, Abigail and David Roberts, and Jacquelyn and Gregory Mulholland. He is also survived by his sister, Polly Adams; two nephews, Ronnie and Eddie Adams; and two nieces, Kathy Adams, and Debbie Rosati.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sara; and his parents, Henry and Elisabeth.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 30, from 3-8 P.M. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 31, at 11:00 A.M. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1753 South Blanchard Road, in Wheaton. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1753 South Blanchard Road, Wheaton, IL 60187; or to the Les Turner ALS Foundation, 5550 W. Touhy Avenue, Suite 302, Skokie, IL 60077-3254.