Allen R. Gutknecht, 87, of Tomah, formerly of Merrillan, died on Monday, October 13,
2025.
Allen was born May 27, 1938, to Edward M., and Ardis. M. (Gilbertson) Gutknecht in
Black River Falls. He was raised in South Alma and Alma Center. Upon graduating from
Alma Center Lincoln High School on May 23, 1956, he entered the U.S. Navy on May
25t. He served as an Aviation Storekeeper, EAM Operator, until his honorable discharge
on May 26, 1959.
Throughout his life, Allen was a federal employee and worked as a Computer Operator,
Shift Leader and Operations Supervisor at Holloman A.F.B., New Mexico, N.A.S.A.,
Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA, Defense Logistics Service Center in Battle
Creek, MI, U.S. Naval Station in Rota, Spain, Fort McCoy in Sparta, WI, and U.S. Naval
Air Station in Bermuda.
After his retirement on July 3, 1993, he worked part-time at Burnstad’s and for Jensen-
Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton, ending in July 2010.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ardis, his brother Eugene, and
infant sister Janet.
Allen is survived by his brother, Verlan Gutknecht of Wadena, MN.
Funeral services for Allen will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in
Alma Center on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Burial will follow the service at the East
Lawn Cemetery in Alma Center.
Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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