Walter Franklin Allen

Walter Franklin Allen, 91, passed away on February 6, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Family will greet guests from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Iles Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Madrid. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the funeral home. Walter will be interred in Hopkins Grove Cemetery following services.

Walter was born on April 1, 1934, in Madrid to Frank and Virginia (Adams) Allen. He joined the U.S. Army as a young man and served for three years. When he came home, he went back to the family farm where he was raised and where his roots always stayed. Later on, Walter went to work for Polk County Conservation as a mechanic. He stayed there for 33 years before retiring.

Walter was a simple man who liked simple things. He loved hunting and fishing, working in his garden, and taking care of his animals. He was laid back, easygoing, and comfortable just being where he was. If you asked Walter for advice, you usually got the same answer: "It'll be alright." And coming from him, it always felt true.

Walter is survived by his wife, Terri; children: Brad (Joyce) Branson, Duane (Cindy) Branson, Chuck (Sheila) Torsky, Bob (Dixie) Potter, Jim (Heidi) Allen, Eugene (Mylena) Allen, Mike Jayne, and Mark (Kathy) Allen; and countless loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded by his parents; daughter, Cindy Manser; brother, Wayne Allen; and grandchildren, Jessica Allen and Paul Branson.

Memorials may be directed to the family.