Allen Vennink

Allen Louis Vennink, son of Louis H. and Selma M. (Miller) Vennink, was born August 16, 1934, on his grandparents’ farm west of Manilla in Crawford County, Iowa. He attended country school near the family farm, kindergarten through 4th grade, north of Manilla. Due to a lack of students, Allen then attended Manilla Public School for 5th through 7th grades. The family moved to the Botna area, and Allen attended country school at Iowa Township #7, graduating from 8th grade. He then attended Manning High School and graduated with the Class of 1953. Allen was active in football, baseball, and FFA basketball. His highlight was recovering a fumble late in the 4th quarter. Manning went on to score, thus beating the undefeated Manilla Hawks in 1952. While in high school, Allen received the FFA Iowa Farmer Degree Award and the DeKalb Award for Outstanding Senior Ag Student.

After graduation, he worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the United States Army on January 14, 1957. Allen was inducted at Fort Omaha, Nebraska. He then took his basic training at Fort Ord, California, and advanced training at Fort Carson, Colorado, in field artillery. Allen was transported to New Ulm, Germany, by troop train. He was a tractor driver for 155 Hollister. Allen obtained the rank of E4 and was honorably discharged on October 13, 1958. He returned to Manning by train. Allen spoke to the conductor to slow the train at Manning. The conductor threw off his duffle bag, and he jumped off and went to Hugo Vollstedt’s home. Hugo yelled, “Ma, you have to wake up and make breakfast—Goose is home.” Then he got a ride from his sister Ann to surprise his folks.

After returning home, he worked on the family farm. He married Karen King Pruitt on September 4, 1965. One boy, Tom, was born to this union. The marriage was dissolved. Allen then married Pat Larsen at Elk Point, South Dakota, on August 10, 1977. He continued farming and milking cows until they moved to town in 1991. He worked for McLaughlin Construction in Manning and for area farmers with field work.

Allen served as director of Aspinwall Community Club, Trustee at Manning United Methodist Church, lifetime member of the VFW and the Senior Center Board of Directors, where he delivered congregate meals.

Allen enjoyed many jigsaw puzzles, gardening, Polka dancing, playing cards, bowling, fishing, and making jam. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Allen died on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, having attained the age of 91 years, four months, and two days. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Marlin Vennink, in infancy; Wayne Vennink; Marvin (Sandy) Vennink; Mildred Spies; and Lois Frahm; and granddaughter, Morgan Larsen.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Pat Vennink of Manning; children: Tom Vennink of Audubon, Tim (Lynette) Larsen of Belleville, Wisconsin, Todd (Tina) Larsen of Cherokee, Tyler (Debbie) Larsen of Sumner and Tami (Mark) Grace of Early; nine grandchildren; siblings: Ann (Errol) Wegner of Manning and Marilyn (Keith) Pfannkuch of Manning; and brothers-in-law: Russ Spies of Audubon and Ron Frahm of Manning; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Manning. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, also at the United Methodist Church in Manning. Interment with military honors will follow in the Manning Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.