Ben W. Allender, age 71, of Essex, Iowa passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2005 at the Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Ben Wilbert Allender was born July 31, 1934 in Omaha, Nebraska the son of W.M. "Webb" and Carrie (Selders) Allender. Ben was raised on the century family farm that his grandfather homesteaded. He graduated from the Coburg High School in 1952. He then served in the United States Army from 1958 until 1962. During that time he was united in marriage to MaDonna Lyons on February 6, 1961 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ben and Donna lived in several different places in Montgomery County, Iowa before moving back to the family farm where they have spent most of their married life. Ben worked at the Farmers Mercantile for many years and most recently worked for the Montgomery County Highway Division. Ben loved to fish and ride on the pontoon as well as music, playing the piano with family and friends, antique tractors, flying, and his beloved dog Duke.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Carolyn Ann Allender; step-sister: Sharlene Burg; step-brothers: Duane Damewood; Ronnie Clark; and Donnie Clark; grandson: Matthew Benjamin Lee Andersen; and son-in-law: Kirk Stoneking. Survivors include his wife: Donna Allender of Essex, Iowa; 4 daughters: Brenda Guthrie and husband Steve of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Carolyn Stoneking and special friend Roger "Shorty" Gibson of Red Oak, Iowa; Connie Andersen and husband Tim of Sioux City, Iowa; and Michelle Allender of Red Oak, Iowa; grandchildren: Ken Goff and Justin Goff both of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and their father: Kenneth Goff of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Colton Guthrie of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Kirby Stoneking of Red Oak, Iowa; Private Amanda Stoneking and special friend Jesse Romine of Springfield, Missouri; Samantha Stoneking of Red Oak, Iowa; Shelby and Jordan Andersen both of Sioux City, Iowa; step-sisters: Dorothy Bruce, Annie Cleland, and Elnora Josephson all of Red Oak, Iowa; step-brother: Jack Clark of Texas; and many other relatives and friends including Alice Johnson who helped raise Ben after his mother died; and Ben's dog: Duke.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM Friday, October 7, 2005 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel with Pastor Trevor Skalberg officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery of Montgomery County, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 6:30-8 PM Thursday, October 6, 2005 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.