Allen Lee Ukens of Pawnee Rock will celebrate his 80th birthday with a reception from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 2701 24th Street in Great Bend. Hosts for the event will be his children, Dan Ukens and wife Colette of Ellinwood, and Cathie McManaman and husband Barry of Great Bend. He has five grandchildren, Stacie Resner (Matt Resner), Lexie Ukens, Dena Hiss (Matt Hiss), Brett McManaman and Kelli McManaman; and four great-grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to attend. No gifts are requested.
Allen was born on Dec. 17, 1933, at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend to Ella (Petersen-Ukens) Lynch and Wesley Ukens. He still lives on the family farm south of Albert that his grandparents, Herrman and Anna Petersen homesteaded in 1905. He served in the United States Marines during the Korean Conflict, and he was stationed in Japan. He worked at Marlette Homes, in the oil fields, and later at the Larned Correctional Facility where he retired from. He was also a farmer.
Birthday cards may be sent to him at, 1378 W. Barton County Road, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567.