Linda Allen, passed away on May 6, 2023, in hospice care, in Chandler, Arizona. A family service will be held at a later date at the Mountain View Cemetery, in Mesa, Arizona.
Linda Lou Oakes was born on November 25, 1933, to Paul, and Grace Oakes in Atlantic, Iowa. She graduated from Atlantic High School in 1951, where she was a cheerleader and the 1950 Homecoming Queen. Following High School, Linda was employed at Walnut Grove in Atlantic.
Linda married the love of her life, Milton “Mel” Allen, on March 27, 1955. They were married for 54 years at the time of Mel’s death in 2009. Mel and Linda welcomed two children, Susan and Philip. Linda managed the Allen household while Mel was employed at the Rock Island Railroad in Atlantic. They spent many hours on the bleachers supporting their children in athletics every season of the year. Linda’s other interests included card club, Girl Scouts (Troop Leader), and YMCA Volleyball.
After raising her children, Linda worked at the Heritage House laundry room, and in the Cass County Treasurer’s Office. In 1996, the Allens moved to Mesa, Arizona in the Las Palmas 55-plus Retirement Community where Linda was involved in Tennis, BINGO, water volleyball, and watching Mel (at the age of 78) play slow-pitch softball. They spent the fall and winter in Arizona to enjoy time with Phil and his family. In the summers, Mel and Linda resided in Brookings, South Dakota to spend time with Susie and her family, cheering on the next generation.
Linda is survived by her daughter Susan (Don) DeNure of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Son Phil (Cristin) Allen of Gilbert, Arizona; six grandchildren, Joe (Amanda) Kippley; and Wade (Jamie Nieuwsma) all of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Chad (Kellsie) Allen; Paul (Kaitlyn) FitzAllen; Austin Allen, Paige (John) Fraser; all of Gilbert, Arizona. Two great-granddaughters, Grace and Rosie Kippley; nephews Jeff Pelzer, and Jon Pelzer.
Proceeding Linda in death were her parents Paul and Grace Oakes; sisters, Jackie Pelzer; brother 1st Lt. Paul Oakes, Jr.; and brother-in-law Don Pelzer.
