MASON CITY — Donald K. Allen Jr., known as “Duck” to his colleagues at the Mason City Police Department, passed away September 21, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 80, a Marine Corps veteran and retired detective whose life also held plenty of room for hunting, fishing, bowling and cards with his mother.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held Saturday, October 3, from noon to 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave. He will be laid to rest at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery following a private family service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the estate of Donald K. Allen Jr.
Don was born January 15, 1946, in Mason City to Donald and Rose Mary Allen. After graduating from Mason City High School in 1964, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving four years, including two aboard the aircraft carrier Ticonderoga.
Following his honorable discharge, Don returned home and joined the Mason City Police Department. He began as a patrolman, later became a detective and spent many years as the department’s firearms instructor. Along the way, his fellow officers came to know him by the nickname “Duck.”
In December 1997, Don married Joyce Hanson. They shared 28 years of marriage and a family spanning children, stepchildren and grandchildren.
Away from police work, Don enjoyed time outdoors with a fishing rod or on a hunt. Coyote hunting was a particular favorite. He took bowling seriously, too, recording a perfect 300 game.
Card games offered another favorite pastime, especially when his mother, Rose Mary, joined him. They enjoyed playing at Diamond Jo Casino and the Mason City Senior Center, where the man who had worked in law enforcement had his mom as his affectionate “partner in crime.”
Don is survived by his wife, Joyce; son, Donald K. Allen III (Elizabeth), and their children, Avery Finn (Ben) and Kamryn; daughter, Christine Allen (Carrie), and grandchildren, Devin Bush and Sylvia Holloway; stepson, Troy Hanson (Bobbie), and family, including Landon Koehler and Josh, Colton and Carson Hanson; and stepdaughter, Juneal Struva, and her children, Tony and Chanar.
He also leaves his mother, Rose; siblings, Jimmy Allen (Linda), Bonnie Mosena (John), Linda Dodson (Jim), Susan Flores and Marty Allen (Shelley); and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald K. Allen Sr.; sister, Jeannie Hanson; and brothers-in-law, Roger Gabel and Richard Gabel.
Family and friends can share memories of Don and find his full obituary through Major Erickson Funeral Home, remembering both his years serving Mason City and the familiar company he brought to a fishing trip, bowling lane or card table.
NorthIowaToday.com publishes obituaries and remembrances for families and funeral homes free of charge.
he got the name “Duck” after one of the guys discovered on the tape recorder in the patrol car of him at eastpark practicing his duck calls to the ducks.