Allen E. Chekal

Allen E. Chekal, 87, of Clinton, died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Genesis Medical Center – East Campus – Davenport, Iowa. Funeral services will be 10:00am, Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Springdale Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Clinton AMVETS Post #28. Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Bengtson, Gordy Bell, Gary Verdon, Randy Meier, John Chekal, and Michael Chekal. Visitation will be from 9:00am until the service time Saturday at the church. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com. Allen Edward Chekal was born on May 13, 1925 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of John and Agnes (Musel) Chekal the youngest of 8 children. He was a 1943 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He was an all around athlete and played baseball at St. Mary’s. He left high school a week before graduation by standing up in class and stating that he was enlisting in the United States Navy. He served during World War II stationed in the South Pacific on the Amedee Island off the coast of New Caledonia. He was also stationed in the Philippines where he guarded prisoners of war. After being discharged he married Betty Weinbeck on August 9, 1946. Allen was a foreman in the feed house at Clinton Corn from 1946-1970. He was also employed at Ralston Purina until retiring in 1990. Allen was a lifelong Catholic and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a duck blind on Beaver Island for over 50 years. He enjoyed all sports especially baseball playing in the Industrial leagues. In his later years he entertained his family with his countless stories of the South Pacific and South Clinton. Allen is survived by his loving wife of 66 years; Betty of Clinton; four daughters: Barbara (Gary) Bengtson of Naperville, Illinois, Alison (Gordy) Bell of Waterloo, Iowa, Marcia (Gary Verdon) Chekal of Hinsdale, Illinois, and Christine (Randy) Meier of Clinton; two sons: John (Eileen) Chekal of Omaha, Nebraska, and Michael (Renee) Chekal of Glenwood, Iowa; 13 grandchildren: Matthew, Angie, Christin, Missy, Hannah, Madeline, Ellen, Katie, Jessica, Jacob, Laura, Christopher, and Alex; 5 great grandchildren: Alison, Sarah, Lauren, Connor, and Cecilia. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and four brothers. Memorials can be made to the Clinton AMVETS or a favorite charity.

Allen E. Chekal

May 13, 1925 - January 9, 2013