David Allen

David Spencer Allen, 89, of St. Charles, Minnesota, passed away at the family farm, surrounded by his wife and kids, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Dave was born October 24, 1936 in Winona, Minnesota to Herman and Mildred Allen. He graduated from Winona High School and went on to Winona State, University of Minnesota, and Johns Hopkins, earning an Engineering degree.

Following graduation and 10 years in the Naval Reserves, Dave enjoyed working in engineering for many years. Supervising the fields for Libby Foods in Southern MN fueled his passion for farming even more, he retired young to focus on farming full-time.

Dave met the love of his life, Jerri (Root) Allen in high school, they were married in Winona in 1955 and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last fall in grand style. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, farming, and were blessed with three children.

Dave was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in St. Charles, St. Charles Moose, Rochester Elks, past member of the St. Charles Jaycee, National Director and Past President with Family Motorcoach Association, and Officer for Outdoor Resorts Palm Springs.

Farming, RV travel, time at their 2nd home in Palm Springs, CA, time with family, and country music were what Dave enjoyed most. He had a wicked sense of humor, loved to discuss tractors, the Twins. the Vikings, how the grandkids were doing, and he was always in the mood for pie.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Jerri; his children, Randy (Marilyn Coles) Allen, Traci (Gary Utesch) Heim, and Vicki (Terry Sorenson) Allen; his grandchildren, Jessica Berry, Rachel Mengwasser, Elliott Allen, Michaela Allen (mother Kathryn Allen), Travis Heim, Justin Heim, Corey Heim, Katrina Joiner, Joshua Groenenboom, Jeffrey Groenenboom, Nate Sorenson; great grandchildren; and his siblings, Richard (Irmi) Allen, Marina Wise, Wesley (Melinda) Allen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mildred Allen, and his in-laws, Leslie and Bernice Root.

Special thank you to Mayo Hospice, local nurses and friends, who helped ensure he could stay on the farm enjoying every day till Jesus welcomed him home.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 645 E. 5th St., St. Charles, Minnesota, fellowship to follow. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place on a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Charles Foundation for Academic Excellence (https://www.givemn.org/organization/St-Charles-Foundation-For-Academic-Excellence ) or Faith Lutheran Church (https://www.faithlutheransc.org/give/). May his memory remind you “The most important thing is to know you have been loved”.