Dennis Edwin Paananen

Dennis Edwin Paananen, 83, of Chubbuck, Idaho, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, at his home, under the care of his loving wife, and Enhabit Home Health & Hospice.

Dennis was born in McCall, Idaho, on July 6, 1940, to Ellen Susana Hillberg and Edwin Einer Paananen. He was raised on a ranch near Lake Fork, Idaho, until the age of 10, when he moved with his family to Boise. After graduating from high school, he earned a certificate in medical technology from Boise State University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho. Soon after completing college, he moved to southeast Idaho to pursue his career.

He spent the majority of his professional career with the Idaho State Department of Health & Welfare, Bureau of Labs division. Prior to retiring, at age 57, he was managing the Pocatello lab.

Dennis was married to Kay Mosholder in 1969 and they had two children, Beth and Jim. They were later divorced. He met Dora Lewis in 1994, and they were married on December 31, 1996. For 27 years, they enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and abroad.

He had a passion for photography and enjoyed hunting, golfing, and shooting at outdoor ranges. He also enjoyed studying maps, geography, and the Old Testament.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Dora Paananen; son, James “Jim” Paananen; brother Robert “Mike” (Judy) Paananen; sister, Eunice “Sally (Ken) Carpenter; stepdaughters, Irene (Ron) Kraushaar, Sandra (Mark) Darrah, and Brenda (Christian) Utley; four nephews; step-grandchildren, Brandon Henry, Jessica (Chris) Maynard, Jennifer Madrigal, Alexa (Nick) Pulley, Carlee Miller and Kaitlyn Miller; and eight step great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Paananen; parents, Ellen and Edwin Paananen; grandparents, John and Ida Paananen and Isaac and Wendy Hillberg.

The family would like to thank Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, Sabrina, Jenna, Annique, Heather, Shelli, and Dr. Travis Nielsen for their compassionate care and being a great source of comfort.

A private family service will take place on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Wilks Funeral Home.

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