Dennis Raymond Couch

In Loving Memory of Dennis Raymond Couch 

On August 11, 2024, our beloved husband, bonus dad, papa, brother, uncle, and steadfast supporter, Dennis Raymond Couch, passed away peacefully. Born on March 30, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, Dennis (affectionately known as "Papa") was welcomed into this world by his devoted parents, Ray and Mary Couch, and his cherished older brother, Mike. As the years went by, he and Mike made room in their hearts for their two younger sisters, Kathleen and Pat. Dennis's early years were shaped by his education in the parochial school system, leading to his graduation from Dowling High School. His passion for basketball carried him through his youth and earned him a collegiate career at Grandview University and later at the University of Utah. One of his most cherished memories from this time was in 1964 when he sank a last-second hook shot to secure a victory over BYU at the buzzer—a moment that encapsulated his competitive spirit and love for the game. 

After earning his college degree, Dennis moved to Washington, D.C., with dreams of joining the FBI. This move marked the beginning of a lifelong career in law enforcement. Shortly after arriving in D.C., he joined the Army Reserves for six months, which eventually led him back to Salt Lake City. There, he served with honor and dedication as a police officer, detective, and investigator with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department, after many years of distinguished service he retired and finished out his career as the lead Investigator for the Salt Lake Legal Defenders office, Papa had a unique ability to share stories from his work with humor, always finding a way to bring light to the challenges of such a demanding career. He followed in his father’s footsteps, serving with integrity and earning the respect of all who knew him. 

In 1988, Dennis met Damaris Carole Boschetto (Dede), who quickly became the love of his life. Introduced by a mutual friend, Bobby Hansen, the two formed an unbreakable bond. On March 28, 1989, Dennis and Dede were married, and on that day, Dennis not only became a devoted husband but also a loving bonus dad to Dede’s children, Shayne Fletcher and Lisa Fletcher. He embraced them as his own, dedicating his life to their happiness and well-being. His love extended to Lisa’s two children, Jacob and Rachel Gondrezick, whose lives he deeply enriched. Watching Jacob excel in basketball and baseball, and Rachel in volleyball, brought him immense joy. Together, Dennis and Dede traveled across the United States to support them during their college years. His unwavering support, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone around him, especially all the children in his life, whom he treasured as precious gifts. 

We miss Papa every single day, but our hearts are filled with the lessons, stories, and laughter he shared with us throughout his life. Though he is no longer with us physically, we find comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he leaves behind—his brother Mike, sisters Pat (Greg), Kathleen (Bob), and many Nieces and Nephews, Shayne, Lisa (Greg), Jacob, Rachel (Cory), and the absolute light of his life, his beloved wife, Dede