Allan Lee Knudsen

Allan Lee Knudsen, 64, passed away from a massive stroke on January 26, 2022. A sports themed visitation will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. The family requests that you wear your favorite sporting attire. The funeral service will be held and livestreamed on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at New Hope Assembly of God Church, 4425 70th St. in Urbandale, IA followed by a luncheon at Stoney Creek Inn, 5291 Stoney Creek Ct. in Johnston, IA. Burial will be at Squire Boone Cemetery in Boone, IA at 2:00 p.m.

Allan was born November 30, 1957 in Manning, IA to Mary and Marvin Knudsen. He resided briefly in Hamlin, IA until the age of 1 when the family moved to Boone, IA where he attended elementary and high school. Allan graduated from Boone High School in 1976. From there he attended University of Iowa undergraduate and law school with graduation from law school in 1983. His first job was as a bank examiner for the Iowa Department of Banking. In 1989 he began his 31-year career at Iowa State Bank as a Vice President and Trust Officer in the Trust Department. He retired in December 2020.

Allan was known for his love of children. He volunteered for Make-A-Wish for over 20 years and played an instrumental part in granting wishes to many children and helping to establish Jolly Holiday Lights. His involvement never stopped there, he followed the children and their families throughout the years becoming like part of their family. He was influential in the formation of the Des Moines Kiwanis Miracle League in 2007 believing baseball is for all children no matter their abilities. He was the announcer every Saturday for the games, knowing each individual by name.

Allan was an avid golfer and could be found on the golf courses with his dear golfing buddies, even traveling to Ireland to explore golf courses with them. In addition, his love of the St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeyes continued throughout his life.

He will be greatly missed by his family which includes his siblings, Dorothy Hacker, Chuck (Jane) Nissen, Leannis Peppers, Karen (Darrell) Hayes, and Cheryl (Mehmed) Suvic; many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews; and his many dear friends which are too numerous to mention. Allan was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, David Hacker; nephew, Lonni Hayes; and niece, Julie Peppers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa or Des Moines Kiwanis Miracle League and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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