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My sister-in-law called to day to let me know that our classmate Dennis Alger died yesterday, May 2, 2020 of congestive heart failure. I used to see Dennis from time-to-time when I would bargain hunt at the Provo DI. He was always friendly, but he would not come ot the reunions due to his health. I will post his obituary when it is published in the Provo Daily Herald. Bob Valentine 4/3/2020
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Robert Y Valentine
FROM JIM GRIFFITHS:
Bob ….. thanks for the update! Dennis Alger was my Dad’s bishop at the time of my fathers passing, July 1, 1988. Dennis was a keeper. He and Kathy live on the Grandview Hill, next door to my son Wade’s inlaws, the Kinghorns. Most of us will remember Dennis through and in behalf of “Keith’s Lunch” in downtown Provo. Keith was Dennis’ dad. Dennis probably learned to “throw a little hash” working with his dad. We will all miss Dennis Alger. I look forward to his obituary!
Robert Y Valentine
From Jim Griffiths: I became acquainted with Dennis Alger when we began attending Dixon Jr. High School around 1954. Dennis was a truly unique individual. When you got to know him, he was probably one of the funniest people you'd ever meet, from the way he acted to the way he walked, he was a classic. As I mentioned in a post that I sent to Bob Valentine, Dennis may have been most well known for his association with Keith's Lunch in downtown Provo. Keith was Dennis' dad. I'm not sure how many plates of hash Dennis, and his older brother David, served up, but it was probably in the thousands. Dennis was a true and loyal friend all through those years at Dixon Jr. High and Provo High. The thing I remember most about Dennis was whenever he would greet you, he had this funny, quirkey, kind of twitch whenever he would say your name. It was truly unique to Dennis! I lost contact with Dennis after high school. My next association came in 1988. My dad had suffered a stroke in early February and his ministering bishop just happened to be Dennis Alger. He was a true blessing to our family - kind, gentle, humble, and sincere almost to a fault. My dad died July 1st, and Dennis was there bringing peace and comfort to our family, especially my mother. Dennis Alger is a keeper and I will eternally cherish my friendship with him.
Richard Hintze
Dennis and I became best friends when we were juniors in High School as we were dating best friends and so we spent lots of time double dating. Dennis is actually my second cousin on my fathers side and I became aquianted with his family, Keith his dad and owner of Keiths Lunch on center street..Often following our dates he would take me the the then closed resturant and fix a shamrock (delicious versions of a double cheese burger). We spent much time together and also planned on doing missions when we turned 19. Dennis got his call to Germany and I was going to Denmark with only a few weeks separating our start dates. We corresponded often and I was broken hearted about 6 months in when Dennis explained in his letter that he was having some difficult problems and was going home. I visited him at the resturant a day or two after I returned and Dennis explained that he had some issues and was moving to California. I lost track of him over the next 10 years and did not communicate with him but around Christmas time were opening what we thought were Christmas cards but one of them was an invitation to a temple maririage in the Jordan River temple for Dennis and Kathy. Wow what a pleasant surprise. Dennis had been through some very difficult times in life and was rescued by a dear return missionary Kathy! The cermony was beautiful, conducted by Neal Maxwell who praised Dennis for such a remarkable turn around in his life and to qualify for temple marriage. We stayed in touch and some years later we were both called as bishops of our ward in almost the same month. We shared many bishoping experiences during those years. So glad that Dennis and Kathy raised a wonderful family and had the joy of supporting missionarys from their own stock. My wife and I were in Provo a week ago and I said wow we need to go say hello to Dennis and Kathy but then had some plans change and did not make it, so sorry I did not follow that enticing. When we were called to serve a mission in East Malaysia we were so happy that Dennis and Kathy were working at the MTC during our 2 week training so we got to share some very valuable time with them.
Robert Y Valentine
Dennis Alger
1942-2020
Our sweet, witty, and loving husband, dad, papa, and friend, Dennis passed away from this life on Saturday, May 2, 2020 and was greeted and embraced by many loved ones. Born in a little house in Provo on February 27, 1942 to Keith and Zelma Alger, joining big brother David (Jeanette) and later gaining a sister Kris (Ron).
Dennis was a true Provo kid-attending school at Timpanogos Elementary, Dixon Jr. High, Provo High, and BYU. He served a mission in Germany. He worked at Keith’s Lunch with his father and mother. He cherished the time he spent working alongside them. He got excellent at preparing the well-known and loved chicken fried steaks! Dennis enjoyed cooking them for his family every Father’s Day or as a requested birthday dinner!
On October 25, 1982 he was married and sealed to his wife and best friend, Kathy Evans in the Jordan River Temple by Elder Neal A. Maxwell. They have four cheerful children: Katie Jane, Buddy (Jenny), Mary (Jake), and Turner. Currently, he is papa to five wonderful grandchildren: Buddy, Bexley, Ruby, Liam, and Charley. On March 27 he celebrated 39 years of sobriety! Dennis proudly shared his story and journey of recovery. One of his greatest passions was helping young addicts and alcoholics in their recovery.
Dennis was a talented interior designer. He loved being around fabrics, wallpapers, furniture, and artwork. He enjoyed and participated in the Parade of Homes for many years and won many awards. He fulfilled service missions at the MTC and as a facilitator for twelve step meetings with Kathy. Dennis loved the Lord and shared his testimony of His goodness and power often. He had a gift and talent of making those he associated with feel loved. He made friends wherever he went no matter how brief the interaction. Knowing Dennis meant you loved him and he loved you!
We are thankful to know our Dennis is now free from the dementia in which he suffered and fought so valiantly. We know and have hope through and because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that when we are with him again he will fully be Dennis!
At this time a private family service will be held. At a later date there will be a party celebrating his life and love! Condolences and full obituary at www.bergmortuary.com.
Robert Y Valentine