Gerald "Jerry" Ray Allen

Age 87 of Morris, Illinois, died peacefully in the late evening of Monday, August 3, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. Born May 14, 1939, in Chillicothe, Illinois, to Raymond and Vera Allen, Jerry graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1957 and Wheaton College in 1961.

On August 22, 1961, Jerry married the love of his life, Corinne Ann Olson of Lisbon. Together, they raised their four children – Jeffrey, Kristin, Scott, and Douglas – in Wheaton. They shared a life teaching at Winfield Public School, working in Jerry’s Northwestern Mutual Insurance office, traveling domestically and internationally, and playing games together. They remained devoted partners and best friends until Corinne’s death in 2015.

On July 3, 2016, Jerry was blessed to find love and companionship again when he married Vivian Sandeno Berge of Newark. They built a life together in Morris, delighting in their growing circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jerry will be remembered for his mischievous smile, offbeat sense of humor, and genuine love of conversation. He loved gathering with family and friends, sharing a well-timed quip, and keeping up with the adventures and accomplishments of his growing family. He took particular pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jerry found great satisfaction in his long career as an insurance agent and financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. He was an active contributor to the insurance profession through state and national underwriters’ organizations and was a proud member of the Million Dollar Round Table. His commitment to service extended into his community, where he served for several years as a Republican precinct committeeman in Wheaton. His faith remained central throughout his life, and he was an active, longtime member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Montgomery.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Vivian; sister, Sharon Herman (Lou) of Rockford, IL; four children, Jeff Allen (Julie) of Atlanta, GA;Kristin Friestad (Scott) of Morris, IL; Scott Allen (Christine) of Atlanta, GA; and Doug Allen (Ruthie) of Elizabethtown, PA; thirteen grandchildren, Elisabeth Allen Adams (Brandon); Sara Allen Santoro (Sean);Morganne Friestad Green (Jase); Mackensie Friestad; Peter Allen; Hanna Allen Sluder (Preston); Mitchell Friestad (Jaida); Madison Friestad Larson (Ben); Marissa Friestad Scott (Kyle); Theodore Allen (Karla); Soren Allen (Lauren); Ari Allen; and Oliver Allen. He is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren: Maxwell and Magnolia Adams; Stetson Santoro; Isaiah, Theo, Scotty, and Olsen Green; Lily Sluder; Beau and Mason Larson; Timothy and Matthew Allen; and Forest Allen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Corinne Allen; brother, Larry Allen; brothers-in-law, Roger Hagenberg and George Atkins; nephew, Jonathon Olson; niece, Heidi Atkins; as well as his beautiful great-granddaughter, Winnie Green.

In honor of Jerry's love of good food, good music, and the Good Lord, the family requests that memorials be directed to Helmar Lutheran Church. Please write checks to Helmar Church with "Helmar Palooza" in the memo line.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Helmar Lutheran Church, 11935 Lisbon Road, in Newark on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Steve Lombardo will officiate.

Following the services, Jerry will be laid to rest with his late wife, Corinne, at West Lisbon Cemetery in Newark.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jerry's memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)