Scott Allen

Scott Parker Allen, 59, passed away unexpectedly on January 24, 2024, at The Meadows on University in Fargo, ND.  Scott was born August 2, 1964, in Minneapolis, MN, to Clyde and Esther (Gronhovd) Allen.  If you met Scott, it is unlikely that you would ever forget him! Taking after his parents, Scott loved people!  Scott spent his early years growing up in Bloomington, MN, with his sister, Cindy, his parents and close relatives and friends.  Early on, it became clear that Scott would have challenges as he moved forward in life.  Challenges did not mean he would not live a great life!  One of the first clues that he would make it in life, happened in 3rd grade when he was able to beat the computer at Tic-Tac-Toe! Growing up in the Bloomington school district offered him a wonderful education that worked to meet his needs.  He also attended special schools in Eau Clare and Neillsville WI for two years.  He was proud to graduate from Lincoln High School in Bloomington as the very last graduate to cross the stage before the school closed in 1982.  He continued one more year at Kennedy High School in Bloomington and graduated from the Transitions Program there.

As his parents moved to Moorhead, MN, Scott joined them in the area, while connecting with many programs that continued to help him grow his independent living skills.  Community Living Services of Fargo, ND, enriched and supported Scott in numerous ways for many years.  Scott loved the staff and other clients with which he interacted and spent time enjoying. Through the years Scott enjoyed time living in his own apartment, living with his parents and most recently, living 4 years at The Meadows in Fargo.  The staff at the Meadows became his “everyday family.”  They cared well for Scott, laughed at his jokes, and took care of many of his needs.

Some of Scott’s favorite times included hanging out and connecting with his family.  Cousins were an important piece of his life.  There were countless fishing expeditions, cribbage games, card games, John Denver listening sessions, sporting events, movies and favorite food meals! Disney was also a favorite past time for Scott.  He enjoyed a Disney cruise with his parents and hours upon hours of reruns on Disney channels.  Scott loved being an uncle; he was always picking out special cards for their birthdays, Valentine’s Day or Easter.  The phone was another favorite.  If you ever shared your phone number with Scott, you were sure to get a call, and when you answered you were usually met with a crazy comment like, “It’s not me.”  Scott knew how to find information and answer unusual questions before the internet was a thing.  He was very persistent and knew how to think outside the box!

It takes a village may be cliché, but it is so true of Scott’s life.  He had his parents and sister, close relatives, friends, neighbors, education workers, social workers, staff and many more.  Together they helped give Scott a great life!  Through it all, Scott’s dad, Clyde, was his best friend.  Clyde took Scott with him many places.  Scott always felt welcome and included.  So many people at church welcomed him, Clyde’s work places and Boards he served on, included him; Scott worked alongside his dad in the big floods of the Red River in Moorhead.  Both Concordia College and the University of Minnesota were favorites of Scott.  He loved cheering for their teams in person and from afar.

One of Scott’s biggest accomplishments and proudest moments came in 2005.  Scott realized that because of a glitch in the system, he could not have the “organ donor” designation on his non-driver ND photo ID card.  Scott eventually got to testify in the ND Senate and helped pass the legislation that changed that ruling.  Scott received the very first non-driver photo ID card with a designation for being an “organ donor” following the change in ruling.

Scott was preceded in death by his mother, Esther Allen and two cousins.

Scott is survived by his father, Clyde Allen; sister, Cindy (Tim) Rogness; niece, Rachel (Andy) Fromantes and their children Isabel and Elena; nephew, Andrew (Lora) Rogness and their children, Livvy and Clara; and nephew, Peter Rogness; along with numerous close cousins and family.

Visitation will be Friday, February 16, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN. 

Memorials can be designated to Community Living Services (Fargo) or Trinity Lutheran Church (Moorhead).