Allen Loren Ipsen

Allen Loren Ipsen was born Sep. 8, 1919 and passed away Aug. 21, 2017. Allen, 97, died from natural causes at his home in Legacy House, Logan, Utah. He was born at home in Bennington, Idaho to Loren Mark Ipsen and Lorena Grace Perkins. He attended elementary school in a three room school house in Bennington and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1937. Allen then attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a degree in marketing in 1941. After graduating he enlisted in the Army even though he was offered a scholarship to New York University in Merchandising. In Novemeber of 1941 he was sworn into the army and reported to Rockford, Illinois for training in the medical corps. Two weeks later Pearl Harbor was bombed and his basic training was accelerated. He served in several areas but was eventually assigned to armament training with the Air Force and was assigned as a gunner on a B17 bomber crew. He flew 35 missions over Germany from a base in Molesworth, England, 359th Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. He would often return home from missions after harrowing experiences with holes shot through his aircraft and 3 of 4 engines shot out.

Allen was discharged June 26, 1945 and returned to Bear Lake Valley to help on the family farm. Upon his return he also courted his wife-to-be and was married October 6, 1945 to Helen Bruce. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Temple in May 1954. Helen brought to the marriage an eight year old daughter, DeeAnn. After their marriage they lived for a short time in Salt Lake and in 1946 he bought part interest in Montpelier Milling Co in Montpelier, Idaho. He operated the mill for close to 40 years and also ran the Pillsbury grain elevator in Montpelier.

While living in Montpelier he became active in community affairs. He was a member of the Montpelier Lions Club, served on the City Council and was mayor of Montpelier. He was also chairman of the Recreation Department.

Allen had a great love of sports and was always an avid BYU fan. He longed to play high school sports but was not able to because of the responsibilities on the family farm. But he played church basketball and, after his marriage, he played on a community basketball team. At one time their Lions Club basketball team even played the visiting Harlem Globetrotters. He took special pride in coaching young men in the church and took many basketball teams to the all church tournaments. He took equal pride in looking after his team’s spiritual needs. He always remained a loyal, enthusiastic sports fan and was really looking forward to this year’s college football season.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was always a significant part of his life and he served in many callings including Young Men in MIA, serving on the high council and serving in bishoprics and as a bishop. As part of his work with the young mens program he was very active in scouting. He served actively in scouting and exploring and served as Executive Vice President of the local scout council. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his service. In his later years the highlight of his church service was when he and Helen served for 9 years as officiators in the Logan Temple. As important as was his service to his country, community and church, his highest priority was always his family, and family members always recall his presence, influence and fine example of leadership at their activities and events.

Helen and Al relocated to Logan in December, 2005 and lived in Summerfield Retirement Community. After Helen’s death Allen moved to Legacy House and resided there until his death.

He was preceeded in death by his wife, Helen, his parents, his brother, Don, and two grandsons, Jeff and Todd Brown. He is survived by his daughters, DeeAnn Brown (R. Michael) and Marsha Hyldahl (Douglas), 7 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren, his brother, Bob Ipsen (Barbara) and his sister, Ruth Krater.

A viewing will be held 10 am Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Logan Central Stake 1255 North 600 East with the funeral to follow at 11 am. Interment will be at the Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, Idaho that afternoon at 2 pm. The family would like to express gratitude for the wonderful care he received at Legacy House of Logan.