Allen L. Barfknecht

Allen L. Barfknecht, 86, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2015, at home.He was born on November 24, 1928, in Randolph, Wisconsin, a son of August and Ada Close Barfknecht. When he was 11, the family moved to Fond du Lac.He enlisted in the Army in October of 1946, serving until July 1975. Allen was stationed in the Philippines, Germany for nine years, Alaska, Vietnam in 1965, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was a paratrooper in the 11th and 101st Airborne Division. He was also in the 1st First Air Calvary Division. He made 137 jumps from planes and helicopters. Allen was an airborne engineer and a food service supervisor. He later worked for Mercury Marine and Pier Elementary School.Allen was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church. He enjoyed golf, participating in four leagues, achieving three "holes in one", bicycling, gardening, watching the Packers, and visiting with friends and neighbors. Allen was a quiet, caring father, grandfather, and friend.He is survived by two daughters: Christine Sederbaum of Texas and Karen (Marcus) Franklin of Arizona; a son, Ralph of Chicago; two brothers: Harold Barfknecht of Mt. Calvary, John (Joyce) Barfknecht of St. Peter; five sisters: Edna Wigger of Missouri, Hazel Hodorff of Fond du Lac, Janet (Eugene) Willis of Fond du Lac, Elaine Rubringer of Cleveland, Wisconsin, and Louise (Jim) Keifenheim of Fond du Lac; four grandchildren; a great-grandson; and 28 nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Blanche Kuehn; a brother, Donald Barfknecht; a sister, Maysel Springer; three brothers-in-law: Bill, Hubie, and Dave; and two sisters-in-law: Marianne and Zoeneida.The funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Michael Morning officiating. The visitation will be on Tuesday at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.Entombment will be in the Veteran’s Garden of Honor at Ledgeview Memorial Park with military rites to be conducted by the American Legion Trier-Puddy Post #75 at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2015.Memorials may be directed to Covenant United Methodist Church or the Amercian Legion Trier-Puddy Post #75.

Allen L. Barfknecht

November 24, 1928 - July 9, 2015