ST. HELENA — Allen J Heine, 86, St. Helena, died Sept. 5, 2026, at Avera Sister James Hospital House surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Sept. 10, at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Family (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church, St. Helena, with the Rev. Marcus Knecht officiating.

Burial will be at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, St. Helena.

Pallbearers will be his six sons, Allen “Jay” Heine, Jon Heine, Ryan Heine, Patrick Heine, Jerrod Heine and Greg Heine.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Cedar County Fair Board members and officers.

Visitation will be Wednesday, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 5-7 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Thursday, one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Allen Joseph was born Oct. 4, 1939, in Yankton, S.D., to Alphonse Joseph and Clara Mary (Rolfes) Heine. He grew up on the family farm near St. Helena; graduating from Holy Trinity High School, Hartington. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he achieved a master’s degree in agricultural economics in 1966. He returned to farm with his dad and brother. Farming was his passion up to the last few years. Allen received the Outstanding Farmer of the Year Award in Yankton in 1974, and was known to be a progressive farmer adopting new technologies and practices. Allen married Marilynn Louise “Mitzi” Gengler March 9, 1974, in Coleman, S.D.

Allen was a member of Goldenrod Hills Community Action Agency for 15 years, 10 years as president; Lewis and Clark NRD board for six years; Nebraska Center of Rural Affairs for 10 years and founding member. Allen was active in 4-H in his youth and was awarded outstanding 4-H’er in 1957, served on 4-H Club Congress 1957-58. He was a 4-H club leader for 15 years with his sons. This also brought him to the Cedar County Fair board, of which he was a member from 1984 to present. He served as the board president for two years and secretary for 15 years. In 2012, he was named Nebraska’s Fair Person of the year; the Nebraska State Fair Grand Marshal in 2016; and International Association of Fairs and Expos Heritage Award in 2018. The Open Class building on the Cedar County Fairgrounds was named in his honor for his service in 2024.

Allen was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and for many years could be found managing and calling bingo at their annual 4th of July celebration. He loved model railroading, a passion started in his youth and passed to his sons and grandsons. He also loved camping with friends and family.

Allen is survived by his wife, Marilyn “Mitzi” Heine, St. Helena; six sons and spouses, Allen “Jay” Heine, Cottage Grove, Minn.; Jon (Karin) Heine, St. Helena; Ryan (Michelle Donner) Heine, Yankton, S.D.; Patrick (Miranda) Heine, Norfolk; Jerrod Heine, Salem, S.D.; Greg (Lyndsey) Heine, St. Helena; 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Clara Heine; infant sister, Josephine; sister, Mary Frances Arens; and brothers, Leon “Butch” Heine and John Heine.