- Born on: February 21, 1991
- Departed on: July 15, 2026
- Resided in: Hazleton, IA
Gavin James Allen
Gavin James Allen, 35, passed away unexpectedly on July 15, 2026. He was born in Fairbault, Minnesota, to his parents, Sherri Benner (Slauson) and Lincoln Allen. Soon afterward, the family moved to Iowa, where Gavin spent most of his life.
He was kind, loving, and compassionate, with a beautiful soul. Gavin was a talented photographer and a published poet whose creativity reflected the way he saw the world. More than anything, he found peace in nature and loved taking long walks. He had a deep love for animals and was always willing to help others. His dry sense of humor brought laughter to those around him, and his thoughtful conversations left a lasting impression. Gavin was a deep thinker who could talk to anyone about anything. He truly sparked joy in everyone he met.
Over the last few years, Gavin became deeply involved in his church. He graduated from the EFC Faith Discipleship Center in Oelwein and built strong, lasting friendships there, gaining a new family within his church community. Through this involvement, his kindness, faith, and caring spirit touched many lives throughout both his church and the wider community.
Gavin is survived by his mother, Sherri Benner; his stepfather, Brian Benner; his brother, Drake (Caitlyn) Allen, his niece, Harper Allen, his nephew, Oslo Allen, his grandmother, Patsy Benner; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who will forever cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lincoln Allen; his grandfathers, Kent Burgess, John Allen, Lavern Benner, and Jim Slauson; and his grandmothers, Valerie Kern and Carol Slauson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the EFC-O Faith Discipleship Center, 305 6th Street NW, Oelwein, IA 50662, in honor of Gavin's life and the faith community that meant so much to him.
A private celebration of life for Gavin will be held in August. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was kind, loving, and compassionate, with a beautiful soul. Gavin was a talented photographer and a published poet whose creativity reflected the way he saw the world. More than anything, he found peace in nature and loved taking long walks. He had a deep love for animals and was always willing to help others. His dry sense of humor brought laughter to those around him, and his thoughtful conversations left a lasting impression. Gavin was a deep thinker who could talk to anyone about anything. He truly sparked joy in everyone he met.
Over the last few years, Gavin became deeply involved in his church. He graduated from the EFC Faith Discipleship Center in Oelwein and built strong, lasting friendships there, gaining a new family within his church community. Through this involvement, his kindness, faith, and caring spirit touched many lives throughout both his church and the wider community.
Gavin is survived by his mother, Sherri Benner; his stepfather, Brian Benner; his brother, Drake (Caitlyn) Allen, his niece, Harper Allen, his nephew, Oslo Allen, his grandmother, Patsy Benner; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who will forever cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lincoln Allen; his grandfathers, Kent Burgess, John Allen, Lavern Benner, and Jim Slauson; and his grandmothers, Valerie Kern and Carol Slauson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the EFC-O Faith Discipleship Center, 305 6th Street NW, Oelwein, IA 50662, in honor of Gavin's life and the faith community that meant so much to him.
A private celebration of life for Gavin will be held in August. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
