Dennis Wayne Birch

Dennis Wayne Birch, 71, of Mapleton, Utah passed away peacefully May 1, 2018, in Provo, Utah, surrounded by his family.

He was born Aug. 16, 1946, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Kenneth Wayne and Lillian Ruth Bruce Birch. He attended Cokeville High School and graduated from BYU. He continued his education at Loyola University Dental School where he completed his DDS degree.

He opened his dental practice in Green River in July, 1973. He retired in November 2011, spending the last five years working with his son, Bryant Birch. Wayne loved serving the people of Sweetwater County. He deeply missed his patients and staff when he retired.

Wayne married the love of his life, Paula Jo Stevig, Aug. 10, 1967, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they have four sons and one daughter, 20 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He cherished his family and they were blessed with many happy memories together.

Wayne loved the outdoors, hunting, camping, going to Maui with his wife and especially golf. He was an avid BYU fan and supporter. However, spending time with family was his most important interest and hobby.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wayne served in numerous callings including Bishop and High Councilman. He served a full-time mission for 18 months with his wife in The Family and Church History Headquarters Mission serving in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.  He found much joy through this service.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Paula; children, Derek (Gretchen) of Lehi, Utah, Michelle (Jim) Cannon of Ames, Iowa, Bryant (Ciera) of Green River, Aaron (Brooke) of Grand Junction, Colo., and Cameron (Michelle) of Brush, Colo. He also leaves behind a sister, Deanna (Jim) Wallentine of Bremerton, Wash., 20 grandchildren and one great grandchild who all adore him. 

Funeral services took place Saturday. Interment followed in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund. He loved to help and support the missionary effort throughout the world.