Allen Keith Jones

Allen Keith Jones, 62, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Sanford on Broadway in Fargo, ND.  His service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Harvest Outreach Church in Wahpeton, ND.  There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service.  Pastor Dominic Warne will be the officiant.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton, ND.

Allen Keith Jones was born on July 27, 1961, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Keith and Joan (Grinager) Jones.  He grew up in Wyndmere, North Dakota, and was part of the class of 1979.  

In 2003, he was employed by Cargill. Starting as a security guard, his hard work and determination quickly propelled him to the corn receiving department. His dedication to his work was evident to all who knew him. 

Allen's interests were diverse and enriched his life with joy and adventure. In 1979, he and his sister Gwen went to the Broadway Theatre in Fargo to watch the original Star Trek movie premiere. This experience sparked Allen's lifelong passion for science fiction and solidified his status as a proud geek among friends and family.

With some help from their daughters, Allen met Melanie Meidinger.  He proposed to Melanie at Mabel Murphy's in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.  The couple were wed on June 18, 2004, at Chahinkapa Park in Wahpeton, ND.  

He had an insatiable love for sweets – especially birthday cake – and cherished every moment spent indulging in its sugary delights. Not only did he have a sweet tooth but also had an affinity for beef jerky that never wavered. When it came to culinary pursuits, Allen was a master of the grill and smoker. Cooking up delicious meals was not just a hobby but also a way for him to bring loved ones together and create cherished memories.

As much as Allen enjoyed staying close to home, he also found peace on the open road riding his beloved Indian Motorcycle. It provided him with a sense of freedom as he traversed various destinations such as the Black Hills, Missouri, and Itasca – each journey adding new chapters to his book of memories.

Throughout his life, Allen found great fulfillment in spending quality time with his loved ones. His grandchildren and brothers-in-law held a special place in his heart. Their laughter and presence brought joy to his life. Even though he wasn't a real cat fan, Stormy had his special place in Allen's life as well.

Allen is survived by his wife, Melanie; children, Rori Jones, Bethany Jones, Elijah (Mandi) Jones, Bobbi Jones (Curtiss Hamende), Stephanie Peterson; grandchildren, Harlee, Reya, Jovee; sisters, Gwen Bloms, Gail (Doug) Haarstad; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Joan; mother-in-law, Bernice Bollinger; and brother-in-law, Kurt Bloms.