Allan William Macklem

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Allan William Macklem passed away at the age of 83 with his daughters and wife by his side. Allan was born on March 10, 1941 to Hurst and Eleanor (Belt) Macklem in Homer, Nebraska. He grew up in South Sioux City, NE. He married the love of his life, Janet Jo Sixel on June 16, 1963; it was the beginning of a beautiful marriage of 60 years together. He was an amazing father to Monique, Wade and Britney. His father passed away when Allan was seven. Allan and his brother, Roger, were raised by their strong, courageous, loving, and kind mother. His grandparents, Franklin and Linnie Belt, also helped raise the boys. Eleanor was a single mother that worked full time as a kindergarten teacher and then as an elementary school principal. She taught Allan to be a hard worker and to be kind and empathetic. She also taught him the importance of his faith, learning, teaching, and leading as a way to help people and the community. Allan graduated from South Sioux City High School and continued his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and was in the ROTC program from 1958-1962. He continued on with a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Southern California. Allan’s work career was in finance. He enlisted into the United States Air Force as an Officer and had his first assignment in Colorado Springs, CO. Allan and Janet Jo had many adventures with the Air Force, taking assignments in various locations including: Turkey (Eskisehir), West Germany (Sembach), Washington DC (The Pentagon), Colorado (Lowrey), Hawaii (Hickman) and Nebraska (Offutt). He retired as a Lt. Colonel from the United States Air Force after twenty-one years of service. After retiring, the Macklems found their roots in Elkhorn, NE. Allan was a CFO for several companies, including but not limited to Majors and Vital Learning. His career took them on amazing adventures all over the world. Allan believed in making a positive impact on the lives of others. Together, Allan and Janet Jo helped start two Lutheran Churches, Our Father Lutheran in Colorado, and Lord of Life here in Elkhorn. He was also a founder of COPE (Christian Outreach Program of Elkhorn). His faith was strong. He was smart and dedicated to his profession but none of this compares to the way he loved his family …and his spreadsheets. He will always be remembered for never speaking an unkind word. Allan was the most proud of his family and enjoyed every moment that he could be with his children and grandchildren. Allan enjoyed watching the Huskers, skiing in Colorado, woodworking, flying, but most of all his memorable sailing trips with family and friends in the BVI. He had the biggest heart and the biggest smile. He will be missed by many but the legacy of his faith in God will live on. He was preceded in death by his father, Hurst; mother, Eleanor; brother, Roger, and son, Wade. He is survived by many loved ones: spouse, Janet Jo; daughter, Monique and spouse Mark and their children Macoy (fiancée, Carolyn), Mason (Allison), Malyn (Nathan) {great granddaughter, Opal}, Malek (fiancé, Michael), Marek, and Marlo; daughter, Britney and spouse Matt and their children Emerson and Bowen; daughter-in-law, Carol and son, Gabe. Also, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends, but especially his best friend, Jim Bezoni. In celebration of Allan’s life, he will be committed at The Omaha National Cemetery with full Military Honors on Friday, April 12th, 2024. A celebration of life service will be held on April 13th, 2024 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church. You are welcome to join us in any of the following: April 12, 2024 at 3:30pm – The Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha, NE 68138. April 13, 2024 – Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 20844 Bonanza Blvd., Elkhorn, NE 68022 Visitation at 9:00 am Celebration of Life Service 10:00 am Reception to follow.

Allan William Macklem

March 10, 1941 - March 27, 2024