Allen Berens

Bernard Allen Berens was born November 10, 1945, to Bernard and Nadine (Wingate) Berens on a farm west of Dunlap, Iowa. He was raised in Dow City and started his schooling there. When Allen was a junior in high school the family moved to a farm west of Dunlap and he graduated from Dunlap High School in 1964. After graduation Allen worked in the Council Bluffs area for a few years. Allen married Marilyn Thompson on November 20, 1966, at the RLDS Church in Woodbine, Iowa. Allen worked for the Porter family farm near Neola for a few years before moving to Paola, Kansas. The couple moved back to Dunlap in 1974, and Allen farmed until 1988. He then started driving for Rief Brothers Trucking Company. Allen bought his own truck in 1990 and retired from trucking at the age of 62.

Allen was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Two Cylinder Tractor Club, and the Albert City Thrasher Association. Allen enjoyed vacations with his family, traveling, and camping. He also enjoyed collecting model cars and tractors.

Allen died on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at his home near Dunlap, at the age of 66 years, one month, and 17 days.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Merlyn Berens. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Berens of Dunlap, Iowa; four children, Tammy and her husband Monte McCleerey of Norwalk, Iowa, Chris Berens and his wife Tricia of Spokane, Washington, Jeff Berens and his wife Becky and Mike Berens and his wife Demi all of Dunlap, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Megan, Amanda, Cody, Lucas, Dylan, Clara, Lena, Jacob and Reagan; and many other relatives and friends.