Growing up, Allen enjoyed sledding & playing army with his friends on the grounds of the Veterans Home. His summers were spent with his Grandparents, W.H. and Marcia Allen, on their farm near Albion. He helped them with all the chores, and often recalled watching Grandpa Allen pick corn by hand with a team of well-trained horses. In his teenage years, friends invited him to caddy at Elmwood Country Club. There he learned the game from older golfers and enjoyed playing a free round of golf on Mondays. This instilled in him a love for the game of golf which lasted a lifetime. His work as a caddy helped him save money for a special engagement ring.

Allen met the love of his life, Jean Johnstone, at Marshalltown High School in the fall of 1954. After graduating MHS in the spring of 1955, he studied business at the University of Iowa. Their romance continued and Allen and Jean were married in June of 1958. He entered law school that fall and graduated in June of 1961. Allen was selected by the Dean of the Law School and had the privilege of clerking for Judge Stevenson on the Federal District Court of Southern Iowa. After his clerkship in Des Moines, Allen accepted a position with Mote, Wilson & Welp in the summer of 1962, and spent his career with the same law firm.

Their marriage was blessed with five children. Besides building his practice, Allen was also involved in the community. In his free time, Al devoted himself to Boy Scout Troop #317 and encouraged his three sons to achieve the highest rank of Eagle Scout. His faith in Jesus Christ became more prominent in middle age and he was active with several Promise Keepers groups in his church. He also volunteered with the House of Compassion, the Hospital, and numerous other organizations.

During his 38-year legal career he was very active with the American Bar Association. His many career accomplishments include the following:

He served as President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Iowa State Bar Association.

He was active in the American Bar Association and served as Chairman of the House of Delegates.

In 1987 he received the Iowa State Bar Association’s highest award, the Award of Merit.

He served as President of the I.S.B.A. from 1990-1991.

Al and Jean built a log cabin in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where they enjoyed hosting their family and friends through many years of retirement. He also devoted his time to managing the family farm. He had a passion for cutting firewood and improving the farm.

Allen is survived by his wife Jean; his children, Scott (Dawn) Brennecke, Stephen (Kim) Brennecke, Beth (Ramon) Reyes, Gregory (Trecy) Brennecke, and Kristen (Jeff) Pinnick; nineteen Grandchildren, eight Great-Grandchildren, and his brother Nile (Monique) Brennecke.

In death he is reunited with his parents, Arthur Lynn “Bill” and Julia Alice (Allen) Brennecke.

Services are scheduled for Friday, May 7th , at First United Methodist Church of Marshalltown, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a service at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Iowa River Hospice or the Riverside Cemetery. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Allen and his family. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.