Allan R. Naeve, 92, of Andover, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 29, 2026. A lifelong farmer and cattleman, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who dedicated his life to his family and his farm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM prior to the service. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Faith Lutheran Church in Andover, Iowa. Burial will follow, with a luncheon at Faith Lutheran Church after the graveside service. Pallbearers will be Allan’s grandsons, Andrew, Adam, Austen Naeve, Tyler and Taylor Shipman, and Joshua Krogman. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Riley, Robert Parchman, Peter Pauley, Greg Pipho, and Steve Gibbs. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Pape Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
Allan was born on March 21, 1934, in Andover, Iowa, to Melvin and Edna S. (née Andresen) Naeve. He grew up working the family farm alongside his grandfather, J.W., learning the craft of farming from an early age. The Naeve family farm has been in operation since 1895. He graduated from Miles High School with the Class of 1952 in Miles, Iowa. After graduation, Allan farmed in Fulton, Illinois while working at E.I. du Pont, before returning to the main family farm in Andover, Iowa.
On November 6, 1954, Allan married Edith Petersen in Clinton, Iowa. Together they raised four children: Patricia Jo (Patti), Ray Allan, Russell Lee (Russ), and Laura Jean (Laurie). Their partnership extended to the business world as well — in 1978, Allan, Edith, and Ray founded Naeve Livestock Farms, and in 1994 he started Naeve Inc. with Ray and Russ. Cattle were Allan’s great passion. He raised them, invested in them, and remained deeply connected to the cattle industry for his entire life. He also planted corn and crops for over 70 years, a fact he was excited to share. Perhaps the only thing he enjoyed more than farming was hearing about and seeing his great-grandchildren. Edith, his wife of over fifty years, preceded him in death on July 6, 2006. Allan later married Roberta Dever on July 20, 2013, and they shared many wonderful years together.
Allan is survived by his wife, Roberta Naeve; three children, Patti (David – Deceased) Krogman, Ray (Marcia) Naeve, and Laura Shipman; stepchildren Kim, Tim, Dennis, and Beth; and his brother Dennis (Pam) Naeve. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Allison (Arno) Steyl, LaRee (Cory) Burkholder, Andrew (Kristin) Naeve, Joshua Krogman, Tyler (Andrea) Shipman, Adam Naeve, Kelsey Shipman, Randi (Tim) Nihsen, Taylor (Carlie) Shipman, and Austen (Alexis) Naeve; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Easton, Caroline, Christiaan, Cooper, Emilia, Luke, Piper, Dirk, Wilson, Reid, Jude, Oliver, and Aurora. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Edna S. Naeve; his brother Warren; his sister Karen; his son Russ Naeve; and his wife, Edith Naeve, and son-in-law, David Krogman.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed toward the establishment of the Allan Naeve Beef Cattle Scholarship at Northeast High School, in honor of Allan’s lifelong commitment to agriculture and the cattle industry and the next generation who will carry it on.