Allan Nyhus

Allan Keith Nyhus, 85, of Cedar Falls, Iowa peacefully passed away on April 2, 2026, with family by his side. Allan was born on October 8, 1940, in Clear Lake, to Kennith and Marjory (Neal) Nyhus. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1958 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1966 and his Master of Arts in Education Administration in 1970 from the University of Northern Iowa. Allan dedicated over two decades to a career in education, as a teacher at North Cedar Elementary, the Principal at Miner Elementary in Cedar Falls and later as an Administrator at Edison Middle School in Waterloo. In 1982, he began a new chapter as an agent with Farmers Insurance, where he worked until his retirement in 2003. A fateful encounter at the Surf Ballroom—and a simple request to dance—led to Allan’s marriage to the woman who gave meaning to his life. Carolyn (Barlow) married Allan on June 24, 1962. Together they built a lifetime of memories in Cedar Falls, where their first home became their forever home, and the place where they raised their family. Allan was strong-willed and, at times, stubborn, but he possessed an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. A gifted storyteller and natural jokester, he was known for his humorous—and occasionally embarrassing—remarks that brought both laughter and eye-rolls from his family—and an “Oh, Allan!” from Carolyn. He was a voracious reader, especially of westerns by Louis L’Amour, and had a deep appreciation for the artwork of Charles Marion Russell. He also loved classic western movies and was a devoted fan of the Grit channel. Music was also a lifelong passion. Allan played percussion in high school and marched in the band, later playing drums in a six-piece honky-tonk band that toured northeast Iowa. Blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, he earned a place in the All-State Iowa Choir and, in later years, gently sang many a tired baby to sleep. Cars were another of Allan’s great joys—from his first, a turquoise Classic ’57 Chevy, to his last, a Chrysler Pacifica, with 18 vehicles in between. He loved cruising in his younger years, road-tripping with Carolyn visiting most of the continental U.S. states, running errands, and after his retirement, chauffeuring his grandchildren. Many family members fondly remember the “hand-me-down” cars that came their way. He also enjoyed the simple pleasure of sitting in his car with his pipe, listening to country music and people-watching. A 1977 family trip to the West Coast—with memorable stops in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada—sparked a lifelong enjoyment of gambling, especially slot machines. The unmistakable sound of silver dollars hitting the tray after a jackpot remained one of his favorite thrills. Allan was modest and would never “toot his own horn.” He never missed a day of work, held a strong work ethic, and was known for being dependable—his word was his bond. He was generous with both his time and resources, always ready to help family and friends without hesitation. His greatest dream later in life was to win “The Big One” playing the lottery—not for a lavish lifestyle, but to provide life-changing support for his family. What he may never have fully realized is that he had already enriched their lives beyond measure through his quiet strength, sly humor, and unwavering presence. Allan showed up for people, and that was priceless. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn; his sister, Mary Ellen Lorenz of Moline, IL; his sister-in-law, Julie Schelhammer (Lance) of Lenexa, KS; his children, Leslie Smith (Peter) of Ann Arbor, MI, Susan Wray (Mark) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Austin Nyhus (Kristie) of Cedar Falls, Iowa; his grandchildren, Victoria Rentz (Austin), Hannah Smith, Allan W. Nyhus (Sebelia), Madeline Smith, Brett Wray, Emily Wray, Leo Nyhus; and five great-grandchildren. Allan was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Maxine Harris. The Nyhus family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated ICU staff at Allen Hospital for their compassionate care and support during Allan’s final days. Please consider following Allan’s example and donate to the Iowa Donor Network. Allan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Allan Nyhus

October 8, 1940 - April 2, 2026