Allen Kent Higel, 82, of Sterling, CO passed away Monday, January 9, 2023, at Swedish Medical Center. A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 21 at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling, CO. followed by a celebration of Allen's life at 11:00a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church, 1404 S 9th Avenue, Sterling, CO with Pastor Jeff Hanson officiating.  A reception will be held at the church following the celebration.

Allen was born on April 17, 1940, to Harry and Lola Higel in Deshler, NE. After Allen graduated from Hastings High School in 1958, he went on to apprentice and start a career in welding for Kansas Nebraska Energy where he worked for 35 years.

In 1960, Allen married Sally Ione Dutcher and went on to have two children, Paul Allen Higel and Beth Ann Higel (Moore).

After Sally's death in 1987, Allen met, and married Betty Rittenhouse and they enjoyed each other's company for a wonderful 34 years of travel, laughter and love.

Allen loved his community, his NJC sports family, golfing, fishing, traveling and his church, Peace Lutheran Church, of which he was a founding member. One always knew where they stood with Allen.

He was a devoted father, friend, husband, grandfather and uncle and will be missed greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lola Higel, his sister, Joyce Hillman, his brother-in-law, Kenneth Hillman, and wife Sally Higel.

Allen is survived by his wife, Betty Higel, children, Paul (Shawna) Higel, Beth Moore (Matthew), Teri Gable (Darrell) Jeffrey Rittenhouse, his grandchildren Nichole Higel, Christian Hanson, Lily Moore, Laura Clark, Janna Gablehouse, J.T. Rittenhouse, Bobby Rittenhouse, Amanda Rittenhouse and close friend to the family Haylee Baer (Tom).

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Peace Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.