Vonnie Allen, 88, of Kearney, formerly of Litchfield, passed away on January 15, 2026, at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney.

Memorial Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Litchfield Christian Church in Litchfield. Pastor Greg Swinney will officiate.

Vonnie was born to Kenneth and Luella (Hocket) Allen three miles southwest of Litchfield on February 4, 1937. On December 27, 1939, Vonnie went to live with Edgar and Della Banker who raised him through high school graduation at Litchfield in 1954. On September 3, 1977 he was united in marriage to JoAnn (Hart) Knepper. With this marriage he became a step-dad to three girls, Cindy, Deb, and Jakki.

Vonnie worked heavy duty construction the majority of his life. He started working for Missouri Valley Construction in 1955 and in 1960 joined the army where he spent five years serving, including time assigned in Germany. After serving in the Army he once again went to work for Missouri Valley Construction for another twenty-three years. After leaving them, Vonnie worked for various other construction companies in Nebraska and Kansas. Health problems forced him to retire and in 2011 when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In 2013, Vonnie moved with his wife to Kearney and in 2015 mobility issues caused him to move into Saint John’s Nursing home. With the Central Nebraska Veterans Home moving to Kearney, Vonnie was able to relocate there in 2019.

Vonnie was very supportive of his community; he loved helping people and was active supporting his church. He enjoyed interacting with people, when he retired you could find him twice a day downtown Litchfield having coffee, discussing the latest news, and solving problems. He was nicknamed “The Candy Man” because he loved handing out suckers and candy to kids of all ages. Vonnie had an infectious laugh, once he started laughing you couldn’t help but laugh along, or at least smile. He will truly be missed by his family, the community and the people he touched.

Vonnie is survived by his step-daughters, Cindy Knepper of Litchfield, Deb Gancos (Jerry) of Seneca, South Carolina, and Jakki Knepper of Gun Barrel City, Texas; grandchildren, Chris Gancos (Samantha) of Belton, South Carolina, Beth Werts (Hunter) of South Korea, and Matt Gancos of Townville, South Carolina; great-grandchildren, Archer and Theo Werts and Margot and Fiona Gancos; sister, Marsha Huenink (Marve); as well as several nieces and nephews.

Vonnie was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, as well as his parents, Kenneth and Luella (Hocket) Allen and step-parents, Edgar and Della Banker. Additionally, brothers Devere, John, and Roger Allen and sisters, Phyllis Tustison and Jean Morris.

Memorials are suggested to Litchfield Christian Church or the Litchfield Fire Department. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. rasmussenfh.com.