12/04/2020
Duane Freddie Allen, son of Cecil Arthur and Inez Luvee (Moss) Allen, was born on December 1, 1932 in Attica, Iowa. He entered into eternal rest on Friday morning, December 4, 2020, at Accura Healthcare of Shenandoah (Elm Heights) at the age of 88 years, 3 days.
His early life was spent growing up in Knoxville, Iowa, where he attended the Knoxville Community Schools. On January 25, 1951, Duane enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country for three years, receiving an honorable discharge on January 24, 1954.
On January 7, 1953, Duane was united in marriage to his true love, Maxine M. Schakel, in Pella, Iowa. Following their marriage, they made their home in Knoxville, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Michael Duane, Diana Jean, and Deborah Diane.
For most of his working career, Duane worked in the Telephone industry as a linesman. It was the telephone company that brought Duane and Maxine to southwest Iowa. He retired from Breda Telephone Co. and had worked for both the Bellamy Telephone Co. and Continental Telephone. He worked for a period for the Iowa Department of Transportation (D.O.T.).
Always proud of his country, Duane was a life member of the VFW Post #2519 in Knoxville, Iowa. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching the sports of boxing and football.
A people person, Duane loved to interact with all kinds of people. He was not one to know a stranger and oftentimes would go out of his way to help anyone in need even if it meant putting himself in harm’s way.
Preceding Duane in death were his parents; daughter, Diana Jean Visser; brother, Jim Allen; and sister, Jackie Oldham.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 67 years, Maxine M. Allen of Shenandoah, IA; two children, Michael Allen of Shenandoah, IA, and Deborah Allen of Clarinda, IA; granddaughter, Sundance Casey Visser of Alaska; sister, C. Jeanine Miller of Altoona, IA; brother, Jerry Allen of McComb, IL; son-in-law, Mike Visser of Pella, IA; other relatives; and many friends.
A celebration of Duane’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials are being directed to the family. Professional services are under the direction of Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service in Shenandoah.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: swimemorial.com on the web. Published on December 10, 2020