Steven M. Allen

Steven M. Allen, 64, of lifetime resident of Dubuque Iowa went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 4th 2013 due to natural causes.

Wake will be held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, June 7th 2013. Services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday June 8th, 2013 at the funeral home with Deacon Jim Thill officiating.

He was born to Shirley Maxine Harrington (Dunkley) and Edward Allen on  2-7-1949 in Des Moines, Iowa.

He was a member of the local Machinist 1238 union and prior Dubuque Packing Company union local 150. He was a member of the Harley Davidson Hog Club.  Steve lived his life to the fullest and was able to do many things that he loved. His greatest joys in life were his family. Many memories will be cherished and held close.  His wife, daughter, son in law and grandchildren meant the world to him. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events and always encouraged them to do their best in anything that they did. He was a friendly man who had friends from all walks of life and could make a person laugh and smile. He was an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast and rode a Harley since his was 14 years of age and had many different Harley Davidsons throughout his life. He instilled the love of motorcycling to his grandchildren and they enjoyed a chance to be able to ride with “Papa Steve”.  He recently retired from Klauer Manufacturing and worked at the former Dubuque Packing Company. He enjoyed spending time with the “Breakfast Gang” frequenting many different eateries, riding his Harley, spending time out at the lock and dam, where he took beautiful eagle pictures or spent time chatting with friends and strangers.  Many friends remember him as “Burrhead” a knick name that was given to him in his early years of life. He was a big man with a tender and kind heart, who was willing to do anything for anyone.  Steve was a very spiritual man who had great faith and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He frequently shared this motto “Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly”  Ride free in Heaven “Papa Steve” and be our guardian angel.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Connie Allen (Schlitter),his daughter, Kim Gonzales (Allen) and son in law, Jay Gonzales, Grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Amberlyn Gonzales, Jay B. Gonzales Jr., Breanna Gonzales, and Brent Gonzales all of Dubuque. His father, Edward Allen Sr. (Janet) & mother, Shirley Harrington, both of Dubuque. Father and Mother in law, Paul and Lorraine Gearheart of Dubuque. Sisters, Bonnie Collins (Steve) and Cindy O’neil of Dubuque, Brothers, Ronald Harrington, Edward Allen, Johnny Harrington (Chrissy), of Florida, Jason Allen (Kristi) of Dallas, Georgia, Tim Allen, of Dubuque.  Brother in laws, Larry Gearheart (Mary Jo),  Dan Schlitter (Yolanda) & Many dear nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, great lifelong friends and cat Spanky who will all sadly miss Steve.

He was preceded in death by his Stepfather, Walt Harrington, Sister, Sharon Harrington, and a brother David Allen, Sister in law, Sharon Krier.  In lieu of flowers, a Steve M. Allen memorial fund has been established.

A special thanks to the Dubuque Police, Fire and Ambulance, the medical examiner, Pat Leonard and staff of Leonard funeral home, Chaplain Charles Fizer and Jim Thill.  To all of our friends and family, thank you for the kind and caring concern that was giving to our family during our time of loss.

Obituary courtesy of Leonard Funeral Home and Conservatory