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Allen Gerritsen Obituary
A loving husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother, friend, and favorite uncle returned to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday November 6, 2013, age 58, in the comfort of his home after many years of health struggles.
Allen Paul Gerritsen was born in SLC, Utah to Adrian Gerritsen and Anne Marie James on February 23, 1955. He was sealed to his best friend and sweetheart Juli Anne Fullmer in 1977. He was proud of his Norweigian heritage, working as Hospital Administrator for IHC, being a father, husband, son, and grandfather.
His wife, children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and enjoyed every moment he spent with them. He had many gifts including researching family history, gardening, a sense of humor and strength. He was an inspiration to all. He loved serving others in all aspects: church service, family, and friends. We will miss his positive outlook, creativity, humor and sincere love for everyone.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 10:00am at the East Mill Creek Stake Center, 3103 East Craig Dr. (3600 South). Friends and family can visit Friday evening 6:00-8:00pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church Saturday morning 9:00-9:30am prior to the service. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
For complete obituary and to send messages to the family go to:
www.HolbrookMortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Allen Gerritsen
November 11, 2013
To the family of Allen:
We have been privileged to have known and worked with Allen and his brother John. Allen was always such a pleasant person to be with. We will miss him. Our prayers are with you at this time. We pray for the Lord to bless you with peace and comfort.
Bruce Wallgren
Bill Garrick
Donna Wallgren
November 11, 2013
I was so sorry and sad to read of the loss of your husband, father, and son. I was unable to attend the funeral, but my thoughts were constantly with you. He was such a good man and it is a great loss. My deepest condolences to you all. Maxine (Anderson) Babalis
Laura Paulsen Howe
November 11, 2013
Much love to the Gerritsens.
Nancy Edgington
November 9, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Allen was a faithful customer at Shivers and we always enjoyed serving him...not to mention we were blessed to have Andrew as an employee who was always thoughtful, responsible, and kind...a reflection of his father. May peace fill your hearts!Nancy, family and Shivers Crew.
Sherice Lemperle
November 9, 2013
I was sad to read Allen's obituary in the paper too late for me to attend the funeral. What an impact he made on me in such a small and simple way. He, along with another dear friend taken too early, Carma Peters, took me under their wing offering compassionate and wise support to a young adult. I was privileged to work with them both at an Instacare just prior to marrying. The two of them presented me with my temple clothing as a gift in preparation to go through the temple. What I love about this gift was the message it sent to me of what they loved and valued and the opportunity I have of being reminded of them and their wonderful example each time I am clothed in them. I am so grateful for this wonderful man and that I had the privilege of knowing him. May you all be blessed as you experience the mixed emotions that come with separation from loved ones.
Sherice Lemperle (acquaintance was from 1985-1987)
Glen Williams
November 9, 2013
Allen was president of Seminary choir the year I sang. He came to my basement bedroom and photographed my naked back for a choir activity (I think we were being kidnapped for some activity). I remember being really tired. It was a fun carefree (relatively) time of life that I will always remember. Allen was a gentle kind soul that I will miss. I'm sorry that I couldn't reconnect before his passing. Godspeed dear friend.
David Humphrey
November 9, 2013
Allen often worked behind the scenes while others took the credit for what he organized and worked hard to accomplish. A wonderful cousin and friend. He will continue to influence all he knew as he works on the other side of the veil to honor his heritage, his family he left on this earth, and in heirs. Allen was and is a great man.
November 9, 2013
To the Knaphus and Gerritsen families:
It is with sadness that we at the Norwegian Emigrant Museum hear of the passing of Allen Gerritsen. Allen was a prime mover in the project which resulted in a copy of the “Handcart Pioneers” Statue being erected here in Norway. That statue, created by Thorleif Knaphus, has become a popular element of the museum's outdoor section. Indeed, the most recent photograph showen to the public, was published three days ago - the day after Allen passed on - in the local newspaper. And someone – we don't know who – is always placing flowers in the lady's hand, and the flowers are always according to the season.
We here at the museum wish to thank Allen for his efforts in this regard, for his constant interest in our museum, and not the least, for his consistently good humor during our meetings and email exchanges. Our thoughts go to his family and friends during this time. And speaking personally, I wish to say that a friend of mine has passed on, and he will be missed.
In Norway, when someone passes, we often say, “Fred være med hans minne” which translates as: “Peace be upon his memory.” And so, on behalf of the board and staff of the Norwegian Emigrant Museum, may I say: “Peace be upon his memory.”
Knut Djupedal
Director
The Norwegian Emigrant Museum
Ottestad, Norway
Stephanie Wade
November 8, 2013
I always thought Allen was such a kind soul. He will be missed. Our sympathy and prayers go out to you Julie and to your family.
John Storheim
November 8, 2013
Although our friendship was of relatively short duration,Allen and I developed an immediate bond with our common Norwegian heritage.I was so happy to be able to give him several newspaper articles and photos about his grandfather Torleif Knapus, from 1928. Torleif was always a great friend of my grandfather, Arnt Engh.The statue that Allen had never seen, "Utah Girl",made about 1925, was of my mother Marie Engh when she was just seventeen.
Allen was a true friend. I was happy to be able to share these things with him and see the love and dedication he showed toward his family and his heritage.
Sincerest condolences,
John & Denise Storheim
Layne and Denise Virgin
November 8, 2013
We will miss you Uncle Allen. Although we were separated by several states, I will always have fond memories. I have never known anybody with as positive attitude as you, all while bearing your burdens. The best part is I know we will see each other again one day. May your family be blessed in this difficult time. The world lost a great man, but heaven gained one. God speed Allen.
Lari (Taylor) Smith
November 8, 2013
Allen was a dear seminary choir, high school friend. I will be eternally grateful for the happy, positive influence he was during those traumatic teenage years! It has been a joy to me to reconnect this past year. He was such a big part of the seminary choir reunion last summer. What a blessing he is to all who knew him.It is an honor to call such a great man "friend". You are all in my prayers
Linda (Taylor) Brower
November 8, 2013
oh my goodness. Juli I am so sad and shocked. I just loved both of you, i always felt that Allen was like a brother to me. I am so sorry!
Susan Vaughn
November 8, 2013
...for many years Allen was a daily part of my life as a mentor, boss, and friend. He was kind and gentle in all aspects of life and had a great sense of humor. I will always remember his smile and signature giggle. Allen was an awesome example of a valiant servant of the Lord who endured to the end...my life has been enriched by his friendship. I extend my prayers of peace and comfort to Juli and the family at this difficult time of separation.
...with love, Susan
Susan Jarvis
November 8, 2013
Allen was a kind heart with a gentle sense of humor. A hard worker and an organizer, he often led the way for his peers. I am grateful to have known him! He demonstrated his ability to lead others through gentle persuasion and with encouraging words. The hallmark of a true leader. He will be missed.
Susie (Nelson) Jarvis
David Clark
November 8, 2013
Juli, Marie, and Family -
My heart goes out to you because of the loss of Allen from our present lives. I've been blessed to have Allen's influence in my life. Way back in high school, in the seminary choir, he touched the lives of many dozens of us as he shared his friendship and encouragement. The year he was president he worked tirelessly to instruct and inspire us to greater service to each other. He was a great mentor, and even after he graduated he continued to remind us of that year's theme, "Make Me an Instrument". I'm grateful to have renewed our friendship this past year and am amazed at the leadership and love he continued to freely offer. As a disciple of Christ he was truly a great instrument and blessed the lives of many.
A few months ago he kindly shared a tribute with me that my mother had written when his grandfather, Torlief Knaphus, died. Of Torlief she wrote:
“His Church and Family meant much more to him than fame. Strictly honest with man and God. Constantly going out of his way for others.. His advice and encouragement were free to all. He was a friend to all living things, living in reverence of all of God's creations. Tenderhearted, charitable. Honored his forbears as few people do. Completely unselfish in all his actions and dealings.”
I believe Allen easily lived up to this heritage and that his life is a tribute to the forbears he loves.
With Love, Dave Clark
Nancy Ashby
November 8, 2013
Allen was a friend to all, he will truly be missed. I enjoyed working with him on the Sem. Choir Reunion this summer. It was a labor of love for him. "God be with you till we meet again" my dear friend.
Sandy Cummings
November 8, 2013
To The Gerritsen Family -
I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband, father, son, and grandfather. Allen was absolutely a wonderful man and brought so much joy to so many people. I was friends with Allen at Highland High School. We were in the Seminary Choir together and also in a small musical group. It was my greatest pleasure to serve with him just this last summer on the Seminary Choir Reunion. Allen did so much to make it a wonderful reunion. It was so good to see him and I am so grateful that we had this reunion. I will always remember his kindness and smile and how he made everyone feel important. May the Lord's richest blessings be with your familiy at this time. May you each feel comfort and peace. I send my love to each of you at this time.
Sandy Cummings
Brent Bartholomew
November 8, 2013
I was surprised to learn of Allen's death. I had no idea that he had been struggling with health problems. He certainly did not reveal any struggles at the Highland High Seminary reunion, but he was not one to complain. I am certainly glad I was able to see and talk with him at the reunion. He is a good man, and he will be missed! My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bill Humphrey
November 8, 2013
Allen is a cousin and cousin in law who inspired us all with his love of family history. Alan is a righteous example of always putting a hand up to the rescue. We look forward to that eternal reunion .
Richard & Betty James
November 7, 2013
Dear Juli, Amber, Andrew, Jill and Mindy, Please Know that you have family all around you that loves you. We will miss Allen and his cute chuckle, great sense of humor and willingness to serve, but we also know where he is, and the loving reception he received. May you find comfort in the knowledge that he is in the Savior's care and loving arms, and that now he is free from his pain and suffering. We love you. Uncle Richard & Aunt Betty
Jessie Keller
November 7, 2013
Allen was such a kind man. He never let an opportunity to treat my kids with an ice cream sandwich go by. He was always so willing to do anything he could to help regardless of his own pain. He always had a kind word and friendly smile. He was always so interested in what was new in our lives. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend and he will be missed! May you feel of Heavenly Father's love during this very difficult time. We love your family so much and are so grateful that we could be a part of Allen's life. Love the Keller Family
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