Past Owner and Publisher of McCook Daily Gazette dead at age 95. He passed away in Las Vegas, NV on November 1, 2025.

Allen Duane Strunk was born Dec. 31, 1929, at his parents’ home at 1112 Norris Ave, McCook, NE where he grew up during the Great Depression and World War 11.

The proud parents, Harry and Arlene Strunk, owned and published the McCook Daily Gazette.

In his early years, he attended the First Congregational Church. At McCook High School he played left tackle on the football team that won the Class A Nebraska Championship in 1946.

Allen graduated from Northwestern University in 1951. Upon graduation he volunteered to serve in the United States Marine Corps and during that time he served with the First Marine Air Wing in Korea.

Allen returned to McCook in September 1953 to join his father in the operation of the McCook Daily Gazette and was named General Manager. In 1959, Allen took over full responsibility of McCook Daily Gazette. The following year his father passed away.

During his 33 adult years managing and publishing the newspaper, Allen spearheaded drives resulting in building additions to McCook College and construction of a new YMCA and Hospital. He was Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee that brought Electric Hose and Rubber to McCook. He taught Journalism for one year at McCook College. He earned recognition as Boss of the Year, Builder of the Year and Community Leader Award. His state contributions included serving as President of the Greater Nebraska Publishers' Association and serving on economic development groups for several Governors. He was a member of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Board of Governors and the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation.

In retirement, Allen funded the annual local recognition with monetary rewards to the McCook Area Outstanding Educator.

Allen was married 28 years to the late Norma Rose Bobinmyer and in June of 1991, he married Linda Holley Allmond. They moved from Florida to Las Vegas, NV in 1994 and also lived in Charlotte, NC near Linda's family.

Allen was a member of Shadow Hills Baptist Church in Las Vegas and served for 15 years as Usher. Later he joined Linda at Reconciled Church in Las Vegas.

Allen is survived by his wife Linda, daughter, Julie Strunk of North Palm Beach, Florida, stepson, Greg Allmond and wife Joy of Wake Forest, NC.

 Seven grandchildren: Deanna Strunk Martin and husband Sheldon, of Danbury, NE, Kristen Mohr of Sioux City, IA, Tod Strunk and wife Christi of Tequesta, FL, T.J. Strunk and wife Liz of Tequesta, FL, Jeff Holst and wife Roxi of North Palm Beach, FL, Courtney Holst Ferl and husband Evan of San Mateo, CA, and Kayla Holst Giuliano and husband Tom of Grand Junction, CO. Three step-grandchildren, Andrew and Austin Allmond and Kaitlyn Allmond Brooks and husband Josiah. Sister-in-law, Betty Rouselle of McCook, NE.

Also surviving are 10 great grandchildren: Devon Strunk and wife Liz, Austin Kreutzer, Carter Grant Martin, Tanner Bennett Strunk, Ryder Strunk, Harry William Strunk, Max Holst, Ava Holst and Taylor Ferl. One great-great grandchild, Archer Strunk and one step-great grandchild, Beau Daniel Brooks.

Allen was proceeded in death by his parents, first wife Norma, son Harry Strunk, son Grant Strunk, stepson Steve Allmond, daughter-in-law Jan Strunk Horn, and sister and brother-in-law Shirely (Keith) Powell.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the McCook Chamber of Commerce, Santa Claus Lane, 402 Norris Ave., Suite 316, McCook, NE 69001