Dennis Wahlen

1943 - 2025

Dennis John Wahlen

1943 - 2025

"If I had a tale that I could tell you, I'd tell a tale sure to make you smile."

Dennis John Mitchell Wahlen was born December 11th, 1943, in Murray, Utah, to William "Bill" and Eva Wahlen Mitchell. He passed away on March 26th, 2025, in Salt Lake City.

Dennis's parents, Bill and Eva, passed away in 1952, and Dennis was adopted by Wallace "Wally" and Lucille "Lucy" Wahlen of Murray.

Dennis attended Murray High School, where he was a popular and well-loved member of the student body and was voted "Most Preferred Man". He attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City.

In 1969, Dennis married beautiful Linda Lee Baker of Richfield, Utah, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They had been married 52 years when Linda passed away in 2021. Together, Linda and Dennis built their life in West Jordan (now Taylorsville), where they were blessed to find many wonderful neighbors and friends. Dennis and Linda have two daughters, Wendi (Stuart) Melling of South Salt Lake, and Holli Wahlen of Taylorsville.

Dennis spent most of his career working in sales. He won many awards and accolades, but more importantly, he made many close lifelong friends. He was loved by his co-workers and customers.

Dennis was a renowned storyteller and his sense of humor was the stuff of legend. He always had time to be kind to a stranger and was quick to engage in conversation and make a new friend. This earned him the nickname "Buddy". He truly was everyone's buddy, even those with whom he disagreed, and the nickname was a perfect fit.

Dennis loved to golf, especially with his father-in-law Jack. In later years, his attempts to carry on the tradition and teach son-in-law Stu to golf failed spectacularly, through no fault of Dennis's. He enjoyed cycling and was proud to have completed a long-distance bike race. Dennis was a betting man who loved a good trip to Wendover. He was proud of his sobriety, and at the time of his passing, he had been sober for 45 years.

Music was one of Dennis's great loves. He not only sang and played guitar, but could also always be found humming a tune or quoting a lyric. Dennis's lifelong love of music ensured that the daily lives of those around him were filled with song.

Dennis's daughters wish to thank the wonderful staff at the University Of Utah Medical Center, particularly those in the Internal Medicine and Respiratory ICU units. We know Dad asked each and every one of you for a root beer float at least once. We will never forget your kindness and care. We would also like to thank Mom and Dad's amazing neighbors. You have been a great source of comfort to our family.

Dennis is survived by his Daughters and Son-in-Law, Stuart Melling; Nephew and Niece, Darren and Sara Wack; a special Sister-in-Law, Terri (Dave) Waters; Grand-Nephew, Hunter Wack; and a world full of good friends.

He is preceded in death by his Wife, Linda; Fathers, Wallace Wahlen and William Mitchell; Mothers, Lucille Wahlen and Eva Mitchell; Sister, Patricia "Pam" Wack; Brother, William "Billy" Mitchell Jr.; Parents-in-Law, Jack and Bonnie Baker; and a host of beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Please join us at Jenkins Soffe Chapel (4760 S. State Street, Murray) on Saturday, April 26th, from 2.00 pm to 4:00 pm, for an open house memorial celebration and root beer float in Dennis's honor "if you please".