Bonnie Lou Allen

Bonnie Lou Allen passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, at the age of 90.

Bonnie was born on November 12, 1935, the tenth out of twelve children born to Bert and Nellie (Peck) Bates. The family later moved to Council Bluffs and finally moved to her grandfather’s farm east of Oakland, Iowa.

Bonnie married the love of her life, Dale Edward Allen on August 12, 1956. Soon after that, they welcomed their three beautiful children. They lived in a few different places, but made Atlantic their home.

During her career, she worked at Hawkeye Electric, SW Iowa Mental Health, Hy-Vee, and family-owned Iowa Golf Store. Dale and Bonnie liked playing golf and dancing at the Elk’s. She loved to hang out with her friends, family, and play bridge.

Bonnie will be remembered for her caring heart, stubbornness, strength, and devotion to those she loved. Family was an important part of her life, and she treasured the time spent with those closest to her. Through the years, she created many special memories that her family and friends will continue to cherish.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dale Allen; her parents, Bert and Nellie Bates; her brothers, Bob, Floyd, Jimmie, Duane, Norman, Dickie, and Donnie; her sisters, Evelyn Hunter, Annie Steppuhn, Juanita Graham, and Shirley Frizzell; and brothers-in-law Bob Rodenburg, Charlie Allen, and sisters-in-law Dorothy Eggers and Laura Ann; and step grandson, James who were also dear to her.

Left to cherish Bonnie’s memory are her sons, Mick (Jenny) and Jeff (Sue), and her daughter, Amy (Ken); her grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) LaMotte, Matthew LaMotte, Jake (Ashley) Allen, Michelle (Dustin) Gelner, and Megan (Matt) Frederiksen; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Lucas, Maverick, Presley, Wyatt, Ryleigh, Kasey, Brody, Addison, and Xyane. Also surviving is her sisters-in-law, Jeannie, Betty, and Carol Bates, Pat Rodenburg and many nieces and nephews. Life-long friends Richard and Darla Casady, and many other friends will smile when they think about her.

Her life was a reflection of the love and care she gave to others. Bonnie’s presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA, with a interment to follow at Atlantic Cemetery. Rev. Lauri Boysen officiating the services. A luncheon will take place following the committal in the reception room of the Schmidt Family Funeral Home.

Public visitation with the family will be held a the funeral home on Thursday, starting one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorials may be directed to the Allen Family in memory of Bonnie. They will be designated at a later date and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Services are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic.