Fred E. Allen

Fred E. Allen, 85, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He was born June 19, 1923, at Cozad, Nebraska, to Glen R. and Lena M. (Battreall) Allen. Fred grew up on a farm and graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1941. He was united in marriage to Verna Snyder on September 24, 1944, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington. Four children were blessed to this marriage; Rick, Linda, Janet and Lori. The couple lived 4 miles north of the home place until Fred’s father died and his mother moved to Cozad. Fred and Verna moved to the home place in 1951, where they lived until 2009, when due to failing health, they moved to Park Avenue Estates in Lexington. Fred enjoyed his life, spending time not only in the fields but also in his flower and vegetable gardens. He took pride in keeping the farmstead neat. His hobbies included woodworking and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was baptized at the Evangelical Church in Cozad and after his marriage to Verna, the couple became members of Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church. He was a church Elder for many years and held numerous other offices in the church. He served 9 years on the District #16 rural school board. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Past Associate Guardian for Job’s Daughters. He was a past member of the Golden Rod Car Club and the Mariner’s Club. The couple enjoyed taking trips with The Grange and playing cards. In later years, when he had time, he enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels. Fred had a sharp wit and wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed. Survivors include his wife: Verna Allen of Lexington, Nebraska One son: Rick Allen of Lexington, Nebraska Three daughters: Linda (Mike) Warner of Lexington, Nebraska Janet (Joe) Olmstead of Lincoln, Nebraska Lori (Dennis) Wallace of Lexington, Nebraska Nine grandchildren: Amy (Adam) Cedarlind of Lincoln, Nebraska; Jennifer (Brian) Mikkelsen of Lincoln, Nebraska; Cassie (Derrick) Freshour of Villisca, Iowa; Joe (Rachelle) Warner of Kearney, Nebraska; Kelli (Ben) Sander of Grand Island, Nebraska; Justin (Amanda) Olmstead of Belton, Missouri; Heather Olmstead of Omaha, Nebraska; Josh (Georgette) Jordening of Gering, Nebraska; Katie (Mark) Cozad of Kearney, Nebraska. Five step-grandchildren: Amber (Kirby) Novacek of Lincoln, Nebraska; Ashley (A.J.) Bowen of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sandy (Don) Wenburg of Dundee, Michigan; Roger (Tracie) Ballmer of Omaha, Nebraska; Marsha (John) Neill of Omaha, Nebraska Seven great-grandchildren with two on the way; eight step-great-grandchildren and five step great-great-grandchildren with one on the way. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Glen, Jr. who died in a car accident in 1939 and his daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Allen. Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 19, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church at Lexington with Ethel Fox, C.L.P. officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2009, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Rescue Unit or the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences or guest book signatures may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.