Dennis Allen

Dennis Allen, 80, passed away June 28, 2024 in Ogallala with his family at his side. 

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home in Oshkosh. Services will conclude at the funeral home with a gathering of family and friends to follow at the Oshkosh Eagles Club.

Services will be streamed live and available to watch later on the Holechek-Bondegard Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/hbfunerals). 

Memorials in Dennis’ name can be made to the family for later designation. 

Dennis Lee Allen was born in the Oshkosh Hospital on July 4, 1943 to Charles “Murl” and Gladys Alta (Nigh) Allen. He was welcomed home by his parents and older brother Herschell to the family homestead northeast of Oshkosh. 

After graduating from Garden County High School in 1961, Dennis moved to California, where he worked at multiple bowling alleys, first as a manual pin setter, then maintenance. It was there that Dennis learned the trade of machining, which he would carry throughout his life. Dennis also became interested in Harley Davidsons and the open road while in California. In 1965, Dennis became a father to Dana Lee, and went on to raise her as a single father for the next decade. 

Dennis and Dana returned to Oshkosh and Scottsbluff for a number of years before moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the early 70s. It was in Milwaukee that Dennis would meet and marry Betty, combining their families in 1974. Tammy Lee was born to the couple in 1981.

In 1986, Dennis returned to Oshkosh and moved to the homestead Allen Ranch for good. He owned and operated Allen Machine Shop in Oshkosh until 1999. At that time, he joined the Garden County Road Department, where he was the Garden County Road Superintendent until retirement in 2008. 

Dennis was known for his love of life and especially his boisterous laugh, which could be recognized in any crowd. Dennis was always creative, and it seemed like he could fix anything. He enjoyed working with his hands, building and restoring several Harleys and classic cars throughout his lifetime. He loved living on the Allen Ranch, knowing that after exploring in his youth, Garden County was his home. Dennis was able to live out the remainder of his life at the ranch he so loved. 

Dennis is survived by his wife Betty of Oshkosh; daughters Dana Martinez of Oshkosh and Tammy (Craig) Chamberlin of Kearney; a son; grandchildren Amanda, Nathan, Jesse, Scott, Trenton, and Madison; 8 great grandchildren; cousin Bill (Lynn) Jameson nephew Pat (Sue) Allen, niece Joanne Allen as well as many other relatives and friends. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, brother Herschell, nephew Mike, and son-in-law Ryan.