Mark Allen Obituary

Mark Ernest Allen, 71, of Grinnell, IA passed away on July 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Mark was born on December 12, 1953, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Ernest and Bettyann (Lafrenz) Allen, and was raised in State Center, Iowa, where he graduated with the Class of 1972.

Mark was united in marriage to Jody Sleeuwenhoek on November 17, 1984, and together they were blessed with two girls, Kristine and Sharon and built a life rooted in faith, compassion, and hard work.

A lifelong farmer, Mark had a strong work ethic and a deep connection to the land. He especially loved milking cows and found joy and purpose in the seasons of farm life. Mark was also employed at Grinnell Implement for 37 years as the parts manager where he valued the friendships he built with local farmers.

Mark was a man of many talents-he enjoyed constructing pole buildings, doing electrical wiring, pouring cement, and overhauling engines. He took pride in doing things the right way and helping others whenever he could.

Faith played an important role in Mark's life. He was a devoted member of Sheridan United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities over the years.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jody Allen; daughters Kristine (Darren) Wheeler and Sharon (Dwight) Burke; and grandchildren Kallen and Jaylene Wheeler, and Gracelynn and Adalynn Burke. He is also survived by his siblings: John (Deb) Allen, Jill (John) Byerly, Jack (Patti) Allen, and Mary (Kevin) Lazard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Bettyann Allen; his grandparents, Norman and Mary Allen and Louis and Gertrude Lafrenz; and his cousins Doug Burris, Lisa Holmberg, Becky Wise, Judi Crawford, and Jerry Ceaser.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, Iowa.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Sheridan United Methodist Church northeast of Grinnell, Iowa. A luncheon will be held following the service at Sheridan United Methodist Church. A private family burial will take place at Sheridan Cemetery.

Memorials may be made payable to the Mark Allen Memorial Fund to be used for projects at the Sheridan United Methodist Church and mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Mark's life reflected a deep faith, a generous heart, and a servant's spirit. He touched the lives of many, and his memory will remain a blessing until they meet again.