Allen Burdette Trask

Allen Burdette Trask of Waterloo passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on July 3, 1939, to Glenn and Madeline (Burright) Trask in Waterloo, Allen led a life marked by dedication and vitality.

Allen attended Waterloo East High School, and then made the commendable decision to serve his country by joining the United States Navy in July 1956. During his time in the Navy, he worked diligently as a Fighter Jet Mechanic and, through his commitment to self-improvement, obtained his GED.

Allen's life witnessed significant chapters, beginning with his first marriage to Esperanza Perez Gonzales in February 1959, from which two children, Juan and Dawn, were born. Although they later divorced. In February 1963, he married Jean Bottomley, with whom he had two more children, Troy and Kelly, they later divorced. Allen never remarried but always retained a strong sense of family.

In a remarkable turn of events, Allen returned to Waterloo East High School to receive his diploma alongside his son Juan, a proud accomplishment that garnered local attention and was featured in an article celebrating his perseverance.

Throughout his career, Allen held various positions, including many years at the Waterloo Register. He also enjoyed selling cars and motorcycles. Later, he found his calling at Bertch Cabinetry, from where he eventually retired.

Allen was a man who took pride in his health and well-being. His dedication to fitness was evident. He purchased his own fitness equipment and weights and set up his very own weight room in his basement. He embraced body building in his late 70s, and participated in numerous competitions, proudly earning several trophies before retiring from the sport in 2008. Even after body building, Allen remained active, enjoying long rides on his bicycle and motorcycle up until the very end.

He was known for his structured lifestyle, often sticking to a daily schedule that family members would lovingly tease him about. Despite this rigidity, Allen made time for his passions, which included flight—both piloting planes and constructing model airplanes. His love of nature brought him much joy, as evidenced by his unique friendship with a squirrel that he fed each morning. With patience and affection, he cherished the moments spent outdoors, often joined by a rabbit, accentuating the warmth he brought to all living beings around him.

Allen's heart was especially full when it came to his grandchildren. His travels to visit them were highlights of his life, and he relished every moment spent with them.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Juan Trask; one sister, Carol Ishman; two stepbrothers, Gary and Larry Trask; and his former wife, Jean (Trask) Black.

He is survived by his children, Troy (Diana) Trask of Wellsburg, IA, Dawn (Sara Nadermann) Trask of Des Moines, IA, and Kelly Trask, also of Des Moines, IA; 12 grandchildren: Cody (Becca), Ian (Christina), Jenny (Josh), Allen (Faith), Adam (Gabriella), Kevin, Gabby, Anthony, Aaliyah, Gracie, Joscelin, and Jaxon; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous family and friends who will remember him fondly.

Visitation will take place at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, 965 Home Plaza, Waterloo, IA, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on September 24, 2025. A burial service will follow at Garden of Memories, 3669 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA, on September 26, 2025, with Military Honors conducted by the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard and Evansdale Amvets Post 31 at 12:00 PM. Allen's spirit will endure in the cherished memories and the love of those he leaves behind.