Allen was born and raised in Lincoln, attending Merle Beattie, Irving and was a graduate of Lincoln Southeast in 1985. He attended the University of Nebraska and graduated with a Political Science degree in 1993.
In 1984, Allen began a 40-year career working for Valentinos, and served in a number of different roles throughout his tenure. Tony Messineo was a beloved mentor and friend to Allen. During football season, they had a standing bet on that week’s Husker game. The winner and the Val’s office enjoyed donuts of their choice.
Most recently, Allen was the Executive Vice President of The Amazing Pizza Machine, in Omaha. He was instrumental in the development of that concept in 2006, and helped it grow and thrive into the successful family entertainment center it is today. Allen was particularly skilled at navigating APM through the pandemic years.
Allen was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, an Elder, and a member of the foundation board over the years. He was also the unofficial photographer for the church, and loved to take pictures of any and all church happenings.
Allen had a passion for golf, and loved playing in tournaments with his brother, Eric. He was an active member of the LMGA for nearly 40 years. Allen loved to practice and declared, “I figured it out!” so many times he should have been able to beat Jack Nicklaus!
His favorite family pastime was attending Husker football, basketball and volleyball games. Allen also enjoyed movies and television. He loved David Letterman, and has a massive collection of “Best of Dave” video clips that brought so much laughter. His favorite show as a boy was Emergency! He traveled to fan events on several occasions, and even visited the station house and show museum in California. During his illness, the best part of our day was rewatching an episode in the evenings.
Allen was also extremely patriotic, and loved America. He could even recite the Gettysburg Address! Allen also loved reading and had an extensive library of books.
Allen was the most loyal friend you could wish for, and in turn was blessed with an enriched life and loved by so many. His generosity towards others was unending, and often done anonymously.
His courage in living with ALS was nothing short of extraordinary. His positivity was inspiring and his faith in God’s plan never wavered. He passed quietly at home, surrounded by the love of his brother Eric, and his mother Valery, who welcomed him into her home and cared for him unwaveringly the past four months.
Allen is survived by his mother, Valery, and his brother, Eric (Lincoln). Thank you to all the friends and family that reached out to show love and support to him during his illness. A special thank you to Scott Lippstreu and Jessica Golden, Chip Schorr, Scott Dack, the Valentino’s and Amazing Pizza Machine families, and the countless others that reached out to show love and support to him during his illness.
Allen is preceded in death by his father Ronald, and grandparents Bill and Doris Wachter and Carl and Bobette Rogers.
A visitation will be held with family greeting friends from 2:00-4:00 PM, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr.
A private family burial will be held.
A service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2110 Sheridan Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68502.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2110 Sheridan Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68502, ALS in the Heartland, 1320 S 119 St., Omaha, NE 68144 or The ALS Association, 900 S. 74th Plaza #106, Omaha, NE 68114.