May 1, 2021
Allen E. Brennecke was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on January 8, 1937, the first child of Arthur Lynn “Bill” and Julia Alice (Allen) Brennecke. His younger brother, James Nile Brennecke, was born a few years later. The family lived in Marshalltown and enjoyed all the benefits of life in small-town Iowa.
Growing up, Allen enjoyed sledding & playing army with his friends on the grounds of the Veterans Home. His summers were spent with his Grandparents, W.H. and Marcia Allen, on their farm near Albion. He helped them with all the chores, and often recalled watching Grandpa Allen pick corn by hand with a team of well-trained horses. In his teenage years, friends invited him to caddy at Elmwood Country Club. There he learned the game from older golfers and enjoyed playing a free round of golf on Mondays. This instilled in him a love for the game of golf which lasted a lifetime. His work as a caddy helped him save money for a special engagement ring.