Cari Allen

1979 - 2022

Cari Ann Allen (Kesterson) February 27, 1979 - November 19, 2022 Cari Ann Allen (Kesterson), a devoted mother and caregiver, was killed on November 19, 2022, at the age of 43 in Omaha. Cari is survived by her parents; son, Brennan Allen; sister, Ami Kesterson-Ladwig; and many nieces and nephews, aunts, and uncles. She is predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Byrl and Phyllis Elliott, and paternal grandparents, Floyd and Connie Kesterson. Cari was born in Cherokee, IA, on February 27, 1979, to Ronald and Julie Kesterson. She graduated from Denison High School in 1997. After graduating high school, Cari earned her associate's degree from Iowa Western Community College in 1999 and then her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Human Services from Buena Vista University in 2001. During college, Cari started working at REM Iowa, where she would find her calling in life to serve individuals with special needs who were unable to care for and advocate for themselves. In 2003, Cari, while working for VODEC, helped open and run the ELM program for 11 years. Always wanting to challenge herself Cari enrolled at the University of Phoenix and obtained her MBA in 2012. Cari continued to care for those with special needs by serving as an Extended Family Home provider for individuals up until her death. Cari was united in marriage to Brett Allen in Omaha, NE, on July 24, 2004. On July 10, 2007, Cari gave birth to her son, Brennan Allen. Cari's entire world revolved around her son. There was nothing more she enjoyed doing in life than spending time with Brennan. Cari would never miss an event or activity that Brennan was in. Always the planner, she would look at her schedule months in advance to make sure that she could rearrange anything that would be preventing her from being there for Brennan. Without a doubt, though, her favorite times were the vacations that she was able to take with Brennan. Whether it was zip-lining in Costa Rica, driving ATVs in the Dominican Republic, or hand-feeding alligators in Florida, Cari loved each and every moment with her son. Memorial Service: Thursday, January 26th, 11AM at West Center Chapel, with visitation starting at 9:30AM. Memorials may be directed to the family.