February 16, 1951 – January 13, 2026
Swaledale- Allen Gerald Holm, 74, passed away January 13th at Eastern Star Nursing Home, Boone, Iowa.
A funeral service for Allen, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 17th at Galilean Lutheran Church, 4454 255th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa, with Pastor Melinda McVey officiating. A graveside service will follow at Rockwell Cemetery, Rockwell, Iowa.
Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, January 16th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North, Clear Lake, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Galilean Lutheran Church in Allen’s memory.
Allen was born on February 16, 1951, in Osage, Iowa, the son of Victor and Lorraine Holm. He attended Charles City High School, graduating in the Class of 1969. He grew up on a farm, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of agriculture. Allen truly loved working with hogs and cherished those years.
On July 9, 1972, Allen was united in marriage to Karen Petersen at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rockwell, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with three children and taught them the values of hard work, integrity, and loving each other.
Throughout his life, Al enjoyed a variety of work with farming hogs being at the center early on. In 1987, he began a career with Walmart, known as “All J-Hook” early on then ascending to store manager. Al also played a large part in Wal-Mart’s upper mid-west expansion, running crews and setting up new stores.
His retirement didn’t slow Al down. He continued trucking for various agricultural companies in the area, enjoying the harvest season the most. Allen loved working with his hands, puttering in his garage, and finding peace while fishing with his family and lifelong friends.
One of his greatest joys was traveling with his beloved wife, Karen. Together, they enjoyed many trips to Branson, Missouri, Wisconsin, and treasured visits to Estes Park, Colorado, which held a special place in their hearts as the destination of their honeymoon.
Allen is survived by his children: Aaron & Katie Holm, Kevin & Shannon Holm, and Amanda & Andrew Holm-Branstad; grandchildren: Mekenzie Jenaway, Nathaniel Branstad, Melaena Holm, Olivia Holm, Caeleb Branstad, Dylan Holm, Korrigan Branstad, Brandon Holm, and Samuel Branstad; two great-grandchildren, Brooks and Eleanor, and Baby Jenaway, due to arrive August 2026; Siblings: Judy Grimm, Don & Shirley Holm, Bob Holm, Rick Holm, Dianna & Tim Francis, Larry Petersen, and Duane & Joye Petersen.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Lorraine Holm; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Renelda Petersen; his grandson, Alexander Branstad; siblings & in-laws: Jim & Gloria Crumpton, Jackie Jacobs, Roger Grimm, Dale & Vicki Holm, Linda O’Brien (Petersen), Nina Petersen; his wife Karen in 2024, along with other extended family members who were dearly loved.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193
colonialchapels.com