Allan Prestegard

Allan P. Prestegard, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Pine Island, Minnesota, on September 9, 2025. He was born on January 31, 1942, to Ole and Helen (Moe) Prestegard of Owatonna, Minnesota. He brightened the lives of all who knew him with a generous spirit, gentle humor, and steadfast devotion to family and friends.

Allan attended country school in District 71 through the eighth grade and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1959. He then worked at Gandy's and Owatonna Tool Co. while attending Austin Junior College.

He served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and was honorably discharged in 1965, having received a Letter of Commendation in recognition of his conduct during deployment to Santo Domingo. He then worked at IBM in Rochester, Minnesota, where he contributed innovations such as a cost-saving cooling system for cooling towers.

Married to Bonnie Huber for 56 years, they raised two children on a hobby farm in Pine Island, Minnesota. He was deeply involved in his family's activities and cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren.

After retiring from IBM in 1995 and later from Fluor Daniel Co. in 2002, he remained active by volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Rideability, serving on local planning boards for New Haven Township, driving for the school district, and participating in the Island Riders Saddle Club where he was a lifetime member. He was also a member of Praise Fellowship Church in Dodge Center, Minnesota.

Allan enjoyed farming, serving others, classic cars, antique tractors and spending time with family and friends.

He was an exceptional storyteller and poet (also known as Edgar Allan Poet!), always ready with a joke for any occasion. His talent for captivating his audience with tales of his adventures, whether from his time in the Army or his experiences on the farm, was remarkable. His tales and sharp humor always brought joy and laughter to those around him.

Allan is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Huber) Prestegard; his two children, Casey (Julie) Prestegard of Rosemount, and Darcie Prestegard (Todd Rodgers) of Kenyon; siblings, Carolyn (Donald) Thorsen of New Jersey, and Jean (Jay) Hannon of Oregon; sister-in-law, Anne Prestegard of Owatonna; grandchildren, Christian (Brianna Kelly) Prestegard and Levi McNulty; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Orrin and Kenneth Prestegard; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at the funeral home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Sunday.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Prestegard family.