Obituary: Allen Joseph Counard, 88, of Ludington

November 4, 2026

Allen Counard

Allen Joseph Counard, a devoted husband and father and respected trial attorney, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the age of 88. After living on Grosse Ile for 45 years, Allen and his wife, Valerie, retired to their home in Ludington in 2021.

Born on December 5, 1937, in Shawano, Wisconsin, to Yvonne (née Baudhuin) Counard and Clifford Counard, Allen lived a life marked by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to his family, profession, and community. Following two years of service in the United States Army, Allen earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1965. He then graduated cum laude from Wayne State University Law School in 1969, while attending night school and working full time. By this point he was also married with two children.

Allen enjoyed a distinguished legal career spanning more than five decades. A dedicated trial attorney, he was a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Downriver Bar Association, and the Michigan Association for Justice. Allen was admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court in August, 2009. He was honored in 2019 at the State Bar of Michigan’s 50-Year Golden Celebration Luncheon, recognizing his remarkable longevity and commitment to the practice of law.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Allen believed strongly in giving back to the organizations and communities that enriched his life. His loyalty to Michigan State University continued long after his student years. A founding member of the Michigan State University College of Arts and Letters Alumni Association, Allen served on its board for 20 years, including as President from 1993 to 1995. He also served as President of the Grosse Ile Rotary Club and as both Chairman of the Board and Commodore of the Grosse Ile Yacht Club.

Allen was an avid fly-fisherman who enjoyed pursuing his passion in some of the country’s most beautiful waters, including the Au Sable River in Michigan, and in Montana and Alaska. He had a love of travel, exploring destinations around the world with his family and friends. These adventures provided a lifetime of experiences and cherished memories shared with those closest to him.

Allen is survived by his wife of 66 years, Valerie; his two daughters, Dr. Catherine Counard (Dr. Mark Simon), and Cara Counard (Eric Green); and was preceded in death by his son, Craig.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Claire, Elaine and Andrew Simon, and Dr. Sophia Grant-Christiansen.

The Counard family plans to hold a small celebration of Allen’s life next summer.