Gerald L. Allen

1933 - 2025

The heavens rejoiced at the return of our beloved father, Gerald "Jerry" L Allen, who passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025, surrounded by loving children & greeted by our cherished mother.

Born in Hyrum, Utah, on August 29, 1933, to Earle and Delores Larsen Allen, Dad was blessed to grow up in a home filled with faith in Jesus Christ. From his parents he inherited both a deep devotion to the Savior and tireless grit; whether in work, in service, or in academics. He taught his children the same, reminding us often: "You can do anything you set your mind to!"

A lifelong teacher, Jerry began his career in Chicago at WGN before returning to Utah State University, where he served on faculty and later as department head of Communication and Broadcast. He especially loved mentoring students and working with colleagues at KUSU. At home, our dining table was rarely quiet with seven children; yet for Dad, there was always room for a neighbor, ward member, or international student, who quickly became part of the "lively" conversation.

Faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings was the foundation of Dad's life and our home growing up. He and Mom taught us by word and example to live as disciples-asking questions like, "Is that what Christ would want us to say?" or reminding us daily, "Remember who you are." He filled our lives with hymns, family stories of our ancestors, and lessons of devotion and sacrifice.

To that end, Dad served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; as a missionary in both the Central Atlantic States and alongside our mother in Nauvoo and Carthage, Illinois. He served with excellence in various capacities on Ward and Stake levels, including Bishop twice, but his favorite calling was teaching Sunday School. He seemed to labor over lessons with joy. Even in assisted living, he continued to teach from General Conference talks. He was always a student and will forever be a teacher.

Dad was preceded in death by our mother, Janet Louise Jorgensen Allen; our brother, Jonathan; his parents; his sister, Glee; and his brother, Earle. He is survived by his sister LaRose Soffe, and his children:

Athena (Scott) Lloyd, Alpine, UT

Matthew (Joann) Allen, Elwood, UT

Toni (Mark) Johnson, Layton, UT

Eric (Go) Allen, Tampa, FL

Byron (Heidi) Allen, South Ogden, UT

Alys (Scott) McKnight, Wilsonville, OR

Ruth (Wesley) Baumgartner, Logan, UT

Along with 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. We will carry forward his legacy of faith, love, and learning.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

-2 Timothy 4:7

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 4th, at 12:00 p.m. at the LDS Lundstrom Park Ward building, 1260 North 1600 East, Logan. Family and friends may gather for a viewing at 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.

Online condolences and Webcast of Funeral Services are available at www.jenkins-soffe.com