Vrieze, Allen 1951 - 2026
VRIEZE, LINGBECK, MATT, HERNANDEZ, LINCOLN, BURKE, BRIETSPRECHER, LANDRY, KOPPELSLOEN, RONKEN
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/6/2026 at 16:43:02
Allen “Al” Vrieze passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at Evans Senior Living, with his family by his side. He was 75 years old.
Born on April 11, 1951, in Chester, Iowa, to Burton and Anna (Lingbeck) Vrieze, Allen grew up on the family farm just outside Chester—an upbringing he cherished throughout his life. He graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco in 1969.
Allen dedicated 31 years to the Cresco Volunteer Community Fire Department, serving both city and rural areas. Rising to the role of Assistant Chief, he took immense pride in protecting and supporting his community.
Throughout his working years, Allen held positions at Al’s Highway Skelly, Kratz/H&S Motors, and Featherlite, before finding his favorite workplace at CUSB. There, he became known as the “Jack of all Trades,” always working hard, always smiling, and always ready with a good-natured tease to brighten a coworker’s day.
Family time was at the heart of Allen’s life. He loved weekend adventures, camping trips, and especially time spent up north fishing with his brother in law Howard (and often “the boys”) on long weekends filled with stories and fish tales. Later in life, he embraced the hobby he became best known for; crafting outdoor decorations and wooden toys. His garage became his happy place, where he spent countless hours creating toys that brought joy to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Allen is survived by his three children: Lynn (Shane) Matt of Burkburnett, TX, Brian (Toni) Vrieze of Cresco, IA and Cory (Tracy) Vrieze of Carpio, ND; 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren: Mikaila Matt (Jeffry Hernandez); Makenzie Matt; Tanner (Shae) Matt; Taylor (Brandon) Lincoln & Lawson Burke; Jordan (Austin) & Kamden Breitsprecher; Brady (Amber) Landry, Lindy, & Luke Vrieze; Kristopher (Dani Koppelsloen) & Sage Vrieze; Koda Vrieze; Elizabeth Vrieze; Sister, Joyce Ronken; Brother, Roger Vrieze; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Burton & Anna Vrieze; brother-in-law, Howard Ronken; and granddaughter, Ashleigh Matt.
In honor of Allen’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cresco Firefighters, whose mission and service meant so much to him.
Visitation will be held from 4:00–6:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, also at Schmelzer Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Chester Hill Cemetery in Chester, Iowa.
Source: Schmelzer Funeral Home database
Chester Hill Cemetery
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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