Allen R. Tatkenhorst

Allen R. Tatkenhorst, of Cuba, Missouri, was born on October 1, 1951, in Hays, Kansas, to Arthur and R. Lorene (Marhenke) Tatkenhorst. He departed from this world on December 16, 2025, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, surrounded by his cherished family, at the age of 74.

Allen shared a beautiful life with his wife, Mary Frances Tier, through their marriage, which brought forth two wonderful sons, Joe and Noel. He obtained his bachelor’s degree at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, which laid the foundation for a career dedicated to education and community service.

As a teacher at Bourbon Elementary School, Allen had a profound impact on his students, inspiring countless young minds in the 3rd and 4th grades. Beyond teaching, he co-owned and served as the sales manager at Bourbon RV and later found fulfillment working with Meier Chevrolet, which evolved into Laura Dodge and Chrysler dealership. Allen was a true people person, relishing every interaction with those around him and touching many hearts throughout his journey.

His commitment to his community was evident through his service on the Crawford County R2 School Board and the North Crawford County Ambulance District. A faithful volunteer at the Crawford County Fair for many years, he also held membership in the Cuba Lions Club, showcasing his dedication to helping others.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law Heather Tatkenhorst; brother-in-law Kenneth Gibbs; sister-in-law Margaret Wyatt.

Allen's legacy is honored by his loving wife, Fran Tatkenhorst of Cuba; his two sons, Joe Tatkenhorst of Bourbon and Noel Tatkenhorst of Cuba; four grandchildren—Joshua, Arieana, Cole, and Reese Tatkenhorst—and a great-grandson, Cyrus Montgomery. He is also lovingly remembered by his two sisters, Jolene Gibbs of Steelville and Ann Tatkenhorst of Natoma, Kansas; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Anna Luhman of Lawrence, Kansas, Betty Jo Luhman of Natoma, Kansas, Jane Hrabik of Lyons, Kansas, Noel Tier of Norton, Kansas, Evan Tier of Great Bend, Kansas; four nephews, Jeffrey, Kevin, Jason, and Karl Gibbs; cousins, Keith, Kenneth and Lynn Tatkenhorst, Todd and Tom Thaemert, Becky Pancost, James Thaemert, David Reese, Stephen Reese, Marjorie Transue, Ken Lindberg, Allen Lindberg, Ruth Ramert, Jeanne Welker, Lee Anne Klingenberg, Brenda Price; as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and many treasured friends.

Visitation in his honor will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until the service at 7:00 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory, with Pastor Todd Holman officiating.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at North Lutheran Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas with Pastor Michael Schmidt, officiating.

The Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory is privileged to serve the family of Allen R. Tatkenhorst, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him.