Ralph Kenneth Allen

Ralph K. “Al” Allen

1925 – 2009 

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Ralph Kenneth Allen, passed away in his sleep on January 17^th, 2009, after a short illness.  Al was born on April 23^rd, 1925, in Austin, MN, to Ernest and Jessie Allen.  He was the 5^th, and for a long time youngest child, and was known by his family as “Babe” for all of his life.  Al was raised in Minnesota and at age 17 he joined the US Navy, serving his country and wounded troops as a corpsman in the Pacific Theater of World War II.  During an assignment at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, he met his sweetheart and the love of his life, Ruby Geis.  They were married April 24^th, 1946, in Salt Lake City, UT, where they settled and raised their family.  Al was a gifted craftsman, master electrician and brilliant problem-solver.  He worked for many years at Interstate Brick, ultimately becoming the Plan Superintendent.  After retiring from the brickyard he took the reins of his father-in-law’s business, Geis Electric, and worked on many projects throughout the state of Utah.  Al was also a great fan of the latest technology and gadgets, though he never really did master e-mail attachments! Al and Ruby were blessed with nine beautiful children and he dedicated a good portion of his life teaching his children how to figure things out.  In the process, they all figured out life.  Al was a great father and example and is, to each of his children, a hero.  He found great joy in his grandchildren, loved each of them deeply, and was thrilled with each new discovery they made.  Al instilled in his family a desire to pursue excellence, a sense of humor and a simple approach to life that was uniquely him. Al is survived by his beloved wife Ruby; children Guy (Bing), Sandy, Ernie (Bobbie), West Valley City, Annette (Rick) Williams, Salt Lake City, Brian (Velene), Cottonwood Heights, Barry (LaDonna), West Valley City, John, Magna; son-in law Keven DeBoard (widower of Lori), Fruit Heights; daughter-in-law Debbie (widow of David), Rosemount, MN;17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and brother Guy. Al is preceded in death by his parents; sons Mark and David; daughter Lori; grandson Timmy; sister; and three brothers.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 22^nd at 11:00 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City.  A wake service will be held Wednesday, January 21^st from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  Committal at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City.   The family expresses their thanks to the many friends who have offered their love and support, and to Starks Funeral Parlor for their gentle care of Al.