Jerry Allen was born on June 24, 1945, in Summerfield Kansas to John and Veronica Allen. He grew up in rural Burchard Nebraska. In his early years, he had a passion for racing Sprint cars in the Midwest circuit.
Jerry graduated from Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts. He continued his education with Master level classes at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln Nebraska. He was a loyal fan of the University of Nebraska Cornhusker football team. He was a member of the Northern Nevadans for Nebraska club for many years and enjoyed the local game watches.
Jerry volunteered for the Air National Guard of Nebraska and Reserve of the United States Air Force in the 70’s, serving for 12 years, and remained patriotic all his life.
Jerry worked at the Beatrice State Developmental Center in Beatrice Nebraska after college graduation. This was his first employment assisting and taking care of individuals with intellectual disabilities. He moved his family to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1980 to be the Executive Director at Opportunity Village. This nonprofit organization empowers, employs, and serves individuals with disabilities. While living in Southern Nevada he volunteered for nine years with the Boulder City Welfare Services. In addition to providing services, he served on the board of directors and several years as president.
For a period, Jerry was General Manager of Black Canyon Raft Tours. In addition to managing the tours, he would lead the rafts from below Hoover Damn down the Colorado river.
In 1991 Jerry moved to Carson City, Nevada to work for the State of Nevada. He served over 20 years with the Department of Health and Human Services. He promoted children’s learning by improving the quality of early care and education programs and supporting the professional development of childcare providers.
He is survived by his wife, Diane (Duitsman) Allen of 53 years, his children Mary Candace, Patrick, and Lucas Allen and three grandchildren, Jacob, Grace and Owen. He is also survived by sisters Monica Mahloch and Mary Dillard, sister and brother-in-law Lisa and Steve Greenwood, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry’s hobbies included golfing, boating on Lake Mead and traveling, including international travel. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who cared deeply for his family, community and the Catholic Church.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Carson City, Nevada on March 7, 2025, at 11:00AM. All are welcome to a Reception immediately following the service at the Silver Oak Golf Club.