Alan Wayne Blecha

Alan Wayne Blecha was born to Walt and Margaret Jean (Howard) Blecha on February 19, 1951 in Benkelman, NE. Alan grew up in north of Benkelman at Twin Lakes and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1969. Alan briefly attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln for a semester. His love for farming and animals was strong and he decided to return to Benkelman and farmed with his dad.

In the summer of 1972, he married Ellen Ham. As they built the farm together they created a family with three children, Ben, Char, and Dee.

Alan was blessed with a keen sense for animal behaviors and was without a doubt, a forward thinker. Alan focused much of his time on feed rations and improving farming equipment long before such ideas were commonplace. He would rebuild a new piece of equipment before he even put it in the field. He built a farrowing system far ahead of its time.

In 1979 Alan was awarded Outstanding Young Farmer Dundy County for his animal husbandry and general farming abilities.

Arm wrestling champion and pulling guard, he was a powerful man. His eyes would light up at the notion of Benkelman beating Wray his senior year.

He loved his kids as best he could, taught them to dream and always look to make the world a better place. His smile radiated so much you could feel how much he cared for you.

Due to health reasons beyond his control, Alan was no longer able to continue along the path he hoped for and was forced into early retirement at a young age.

In his later stages of life, Alan was blessed to become a resident of the Imperial Manor Nursing Home. He enjoyed his time at the manor and the numerous friendships that were formed. Alan was well cared for and genuinely loved everyone who cared for him over the years.

Through it all, Alan never stopped dreaming and smiling.

Alan is survived by his children, Benjamin (Renee), Charlene (Curtis) Sohm, and Deidre Blecha; grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Madison, Emma, Lila, Henry, Hattie and J.J., his brother, Larry Blecha (Linda); brother-in-law, Jerry Fries; his aunt, Jean Blecha; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Cynthia Fries.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:30 A.M. MT Monday, October 23 at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with Pastor Jim Gleason officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Alan’s memory to the Imperial Manor Nursing Home. He really enjoyed watching the birds.