Fred Bond Allen

Fred Bond Allen

Orlando, Florida

Fred Bond Allen passed away peacefully November 12th in Orlando, Florida. Fred was born in Richland, Iowa to Harold and Helen Allen on February 2, 1938. If the stories are correct Fred was a bit on the ornery side as he grew up in the ’40s and ’50s. In fact if family lore is to be believed, that when he proposed to his wife Karen, a couple of her older brothers were said to have tried to dissuade him. Alas, true love won and he was united in marriage to Karen Marie Laux on November 15th, 1958 a very happy marriage that lasted 63 years ending when Karen passed in 2021.

Fred was a superintendent with United Contractors of Johnston, Iowa for many years. He led crews of men to build dozens of bridges throughout the Midwest as part of the Eisenhower Interstate system. He then operated Fred Allen Construction in Iowa City, Iowa, for several years before moving to Sebring, Florida, to open Taylor Rental with his wife and brother-in-law. Upon retiring Fred and Karen split their time between Florida and Iowa. Fred was a gifted carpenter, customizing not only his own homes but putting touches on each of his children’s homes as well. He later turned his attention to building dozens of exquisite dollhouses that are treasured by his children and grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He was also preceded by his daughter Sheila Harman, and son-in-law Wayne Finley, and his siblings Betty Lemming, Barbara Roberts, Jerry Allen, and an infant sister Louise. He is survived by his sister Janice Walerich of Kalona, Iowa and by his son Eric of St. Petersburg, Florida, and his daughters, Brenda Dresseen, (John), of Oviedo, Florida, and Sandra Justin, (Dan) of Orlando, Florid,a and Sheila’s husband Tork Harman, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Sydney Harman (Thomas Krupski), Bond Harman (Cait), Kyle Dresseen, Megan Worrall (Chad), Tory Harman (Bryce Montes de Oca), Kate Justin and Samual Justin; and his two great-grandsons, Noah Krupski and Jack Worrall. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Fred was above all else a kind man. He took careful measure of his life, never missing a chance to express his gratitude. There will be a private memorial in Iowa in the spring. If you are inclined, a donation may be made to Gems of Hope of Cedar Rapids, Iowa (a nonprofit founded by his late daughter Sheila), in Fred’s honor. A special mention must be made of the meticulous care and love that was offered to Fred by his daughters Brenda and Sandra as they walked with him across his final bridge.