Vernon was born October 23, 1918 in Winneshiek County, Iowa to John Thomas and Emma (Forde) Allen. He attended the Grindeland School near Hesper. On June 8, 1944 he united in marriage to Ruth Hagen at the Riceford Lutheran Church parsonage. For a short time he was a partner in a farm implement and Chevrolet dealership. In 1950 they bought the home farm. They lived and farmed there for 54 years, raising Herford cattle and hogs. In 2004 they moved into Mabel and have resided there since. He was a member of the Hesper Lutheran Church and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Vernon passed away Friday, August 24, 2012 at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel at the age of 93.
Vernon is survived by his wife of 68 years Ruth of Mabel; a son Jonathan (Gwen) of Mabel; a granddaughter Jody Roberts of Mabel; two great grandsons Christopher Rogich of Rochester, Minnesota, and Adam Rogich of Houston, Minnesota; and a brother Lester Allen of Decorah. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Irvin; and three sisters Bernice Henningsgaard, Esther Henningsgaard, and Doris Newgard.
Funeral services will be 1 PM, Thursday, August 30, 2012 at the Hesper Lutheran Church in Hesper, Iowa with the Rev. Matt Larson officiating. Burial will be in the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. |
