Allen Edward Onken

In Loving Memory of

Allen Edward Onken

Al Onken was born on August 13, 1948, in Worthington, Minnesota to Edward and Mildred Johnson Onken.  He grew up on the family farm near Avoca, MN and attended country school.  In the early 1960 ‘s the family moved to a farm near Chandler, MN where Al graduated from Chandler High School in 1966.  He then attended Worthington Jr. College until he was drafted to the United States Army in 1968.  Al served in Vietnam as a sergeant of the motor pool keeping the machinery and vehicles in working order.  Following his honorable discharge in 1970 he returned to the family farm and partnered with his father Ed in the farming operation.  Al was active in the SeaBees Reserve until his retirement.  Al passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, going to the “big farm in the sky” at the age of 76.  He was a member of the Iona VFW Post until it disbanded, after which the joined the Wilmont VFW Post.  Al served as Sergeant of Arms for the post.  He took great pride in calling out the commands during ceremonies and maintaining all the Iona VFW guns for over 30 years.  Al enjoyed ice fishing, road trips, and pulling pranks with friends creating lasting friendships and memories.  He also was an accomplished trap shooter.  Al had a good heart and when help was needed, he was there.  He was best known for his manicured lawn and yard (house, not so much). 

Survivors include his two sisters, Carol Mrs. Loren Schroer of Brewster, MN, and Luann Mrs. Jim Weber of White Stone, VA, six nephews, Chris and wife, Lynne Schroer, Nate Schroer and his friend, Veronica, Preston and wife, Heather Schroer, John Weber, David Weber, and Nick Weber, great nephew, Kyler Schroer and great niece, Vada Schroer.  He is preceded in death by his parents. 

A time of fellowship will be on Friday, September 13, 2024, at The Barn at Corabelle 1314 16th St. Iona, MN starting at 5:00 p.m. with military honors accorded by the Wilmont VFW Post at 6:00 p.m.  Interment will be on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Badger Lake Cemetery 518 160th Ave rural Slayton, MN at 9:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Wilmont VFW Post.  Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements.  To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com

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