Allen Ray Emken, age 82, passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and community service. Born on July 26, 1944, in Wahoo, Nebraska, to Henry Emken and Rosa Neidfelt, Allen grew up alongside his four siblings on a farm halfway between Mead and Fremont.
Allen attended a country elementary school and graduated from Mead High School in 1961 at the age of 16. After spending a few years helping his father on the family farm, he attended barber school in Omaha, launching a dedicated 50-year career. He cut hair at the Fremont Mall—which later became Jerry’s Barbershop—before opening his own successful shops, Stylemasters and Kids Kuts.
In 1961, Allen met the love of his life, Barbara Sawtelle, at the Fremont Roller Rink. He loved to joke that he "chased Barbara around and around that night until she got dizzy." The couple married a few years later on August 26, 1967, sharing nearly six decades of marriage.
Allen proudly served his country in the National Guard and was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of the JC’s Club, Optimist Club, Hooper American Legion Post 18, Fremont Area Car Club, the daily McDonald’s Coffee Club, and served as a member of the Memorial Cemetery Board. Guided by a deep love for God, Allen quietly served his church by vacuuming the sanctuary every week and attending Bible study every Monday and Wednesday morning. He also brought comfort to others as a handler for Katie Comfort Dog, frequently visiting the VA in Omaha to spread hope and joy to veterans.
An avid car enthusiast, Allen took great pride in his 1965 Mustang convertible and his 1963 Chevy Impala. Above all else, Allen was most proud of his family, often boasting about their harmony by saying, "We all get along and no one ever fights."
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Rosa Emken; his son, Paul Allen Emken; his brothers, Edwin and Richard Emken; and his sister, Alice.
He is survived by: His beloved wife, Barbara Emken; daughter, Lisa Marie Oltman (Randy) and grandsons, Austin and Gage Oltman; daughter, Julie Hladky (Dave), grandson, Zach Hladky, and granddaughter, Zoey Hladky; brother, Kenneth Emken (Janet), and many extended family members, friends, and patrons whose lives he touched over his decades behind the barber chair.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel with family present from 4pm to 7pm. The funeral will be Wednesday, 10am, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Trinity K9 Comfort Dog Ministry or Trinity Lutheran Church.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com