Jerry G. Allen

Jerry G. Allen (née Kruse) 

Jerry Gale Allen, age 90, of Elwood, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 20th, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 21, 1935, in Harvey, Illinois, Jerry was one half of a cherished pair of twins, welcomed into the world by her parents, Maybelle and Roy Kruse, along with her brother Tom. She went on to build a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and purpose.

Together with her late husband Jim Allen, who preceded her in death in 1999, Jerry lovingly raised six children—a lively and close-knit family that became her greatest pride.

Jerry was a woman of imagination, wisdom, and deep affection. A lifelong lover of books, she found joy in stories—switching to audiobooks on fast-forward when her eyesight began to fade. She was also a gifted poet, filling notebooks with heartfelt and humorous reflections on life, family, and everything in between.

She is survived by her six devoted children and one honorary child: Bob Allen (Shirley), Sue Rainey (Haley), Pam Schilling (Dale), Jim Allen, Jr. (Minnie), Linda Graman, Laura Rudzinski (Rich) and Alison Brothen.

Her legacy continues through her 19 beloved grandchildren and two honorary grandchildren: Sarah Regan (Tim), Emily Kusz (Jeff), Cate Sullivan (Mario), Wyatt Schilling (Krystal), Mallory Neu (Justin), Brian Allen (Yukari), Shaun Allen, Derrick Allen (Jessica), Jessica Fogel (Rich), Jason Allen (Rachel), Martin Rhyne, Bethany Graman (Gary Brecker), Breanna Kopczick (Mark), Allen Graman, Abigale Graman, Kenny Graman, Megan Rudzinski, Alex Rudzinski, and Jenna Rudzinski along with Hayley Brothen and Zach Brothen (Mikayla).

She was preceded in death by her son-in-law Mike Graman and grandchildren Gregory Schilling, Cameron Allen and Jacob Graman.

Jerry was a proud great-grandmother to 28 amazing young people, and most recently became a great-great-grandmother to sweet Alannah Rose Marx, born June 24, 2025—whom she had the joy of meeting just one day before her passing.

Jerry is also survived by her siblings: Her beloved twin brother Tom Kruse, sister Margie Warner (Tom), brother Russell Kruse and sister Bonnie Clark.

Jerry’s bright smile and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a devoted mother, an adoring grandmother, and a faithful servant of the Lord. Her unwavering love for God and her Savior, Jesus Christ, brought her comfort throughout life—and now, she is rejoicing in His presence.

In honor of Jerry’s life, may we all cherish family, laugh often, share stories, and love deeply—just as she did.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  Funeral service, Thursday, July 24th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home.  Interment, Evergreen Cemetery, Evergreen Park IL.