Harry Lawrence Allender of Johnston, Iowa, passed away on Monday, January 17th, 2022, at the age of 90 years old.
Harry was born to parents Jess and Florence Allender on March 24th, 1931 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Harry graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1949, and Iowa State University in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
In 1951, Harry married Madilyn Allender and the couple had four children. In 1964, Harry founded Des Moines Testing Laboratory, Inc. In 1970, Des Moines Testing Laboratory, Inc. merged with Patzig Testing Labs, Inc. and in 1992, Harry helped create Allender Butzke Engineers, Inc.
Harry’s vocational passion was Civil Engineering where he combined his problem-solving skills with his sincere desire to assist others. He had fond memories of working with several outstanding business partners over the years, including Milt Butzke, Hamid Feiz, David Logemann, and Byron Marks. Harry had a positive influence on several young engineers, including his grandson Matt Allender.
When not working, Harry enjoyed smoking cigars on his porch, tinkering around in his garage, and giving tractor rides to his grandkids and great-grandkids. He also enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music ranging from Louis Armstrong to Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Harry was proceeded in death by his wife Madilyn who passed away in 2016. Harry is survived by his children Bob (Annette), Susan, and John (Debbi); grandchildren Corrine (Scott), Elizabeth (Taylor), Scott (Emily), Matt (Paige), Brian (Mikayla), and Kate; and great-grandchildren Samantha, Rori and Graham.
No public services will be scheduled due, in part, to Covid. Memorial contributions can be made to the Food Bank of Iowa.
