Allen R. Gardner, age 63 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday July 27th at Great Plains Health. Allen was born April 5th, 1959. With his sister Rita, Allen joined the Kenneth and Freedia (Stamm) Gardner family. Allen enjoyed his childhood growing up on the farm east of Max, Nebraska. During his teenage years, Allen’s father married Phyllis McGrath bringing to the family her son John Robert “Bob” and daughter Jessie. Allen treasured his grandparents, parents and siblings and talked about them often.
After graduating from Benkelman High School, Allen moved to Grand Island where he met the love of his life, Cindy Fhuere. Allen and Cindy welcomed Edward Allen on September 26th, 1984. They would dedicate the next 38 years to being devoted parents.
Allen found joy in the simplest things in life. He enjoyed knitting and watching educational television programs. He loved to collect everything from newspaper clippings to Husker memorabilia but the collection of odd trivia and facts he kept in his mind could be called his biggest collection of all! Allen loved being around his family and was always ready to celebrate a holiday or a town event. Taking pictures of his life travels or of a fun event he attended was a hobby he enjoyed.
Allen is survived by his wife Cindy, his son Edward and special friend Annabelle of North Platte. His sister Rita (Ron) Saltzman of Emerson Nebraska, stepbrother John Robert (Bob) McGrath of Lincoln Nebraska, stepsister Jessie McGrath of Los Angeles California. Mother-in-Law Anne Fhuere of North Platte Nebraska. Brother-in-laws, Mike Fhuere, Mat (Lyn) Fhuere, Mark (Luanne) Fhuere, Kevin (Theresa) Fhuere and Sam (Sami) Fhuere. Sister-in-law Alice Fhuere along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Allen in death was his paternal grandparents Richard and Mary Gardner; his mother Freedia Gardner; father Kenneth and step-mom Phyllis Gardner.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 13th, 2022, at 11:00 am CST at the First Baptist Church in North Platte with Pastor Clint Walker officiating, with lunch to follow. Cremation was chosen. Adams and Swanson Funeral of North Platte is in charge of the arrangements.