Dennis Irvin Alquist

Dennis Irvin Alquist, 81, of Palmyra, went to be with his LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST peacefully at home with family by his side on Thursday, April 6, 2023. He was born Monday, September 22, 1941 in New Kensington, PA, to the late Herman V. and Eva Geraldine (Irvin) Alquist. He is survived by his loving wife, Flora Jean (Sharek) Alquist.

He graduated from New Kensington High School, and then attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. A retired Sales Executive of TD Mills, he attended Gravel Hill Church. He volunteered with his wife, Flora Alquist, in serving the Kings Corps Disabilities Ministry at the Hershey Free Church. Dennis had an intimate relationship with JESUS and he always had a smile and brotherly love for those he came in contact with on a daily basis – wearing a cross or a dove on his shirt sleeve would always spark conversation enabling him to share JESUS with others. He and his wife also served many years as weekend house parents for the Milton Hershey Homes. He was affectionately known as “Popcorn” to the children there.

In addition to this wife he is survived by his children: Pastors Lisah Ietto and husband Randall, and Pastor Randal Alquist and wife Karen (Weil); seven grandchildren, Nathanael Rebmann, Benjamin Rebmann, Mikayla Zavala, Christian Rebmann, Kyra Sells, Grey Alquist, and Eva Grace Alquist; and sister- in- law Janice Alquist. He is predeceased by two brothers, George H. and Myrna Alquist and Kenneth G. Alquist, as well as his sister, Betty J. (Alquist) Scanga and husband Bob.

Denny was a beloved uncle, great uncle, and cousin to many and will truly be missed. He always had a story to tell and a laugh that was contagious. During summer and autumn seasons you would often find him in Cape May, NJ, or at Camp Swatara locally, and at least once a year at this favorite B&B with his wife, children, and friends. He loved decorating for the holidays and he and Flora enjoyed entertaining “the more the merrier” was their motto! When he wasn’t in his workshop creating Christmas gifts, his favorite past time was sitting by a campfire talking with family and friends. Denny had a heart after GOD’s Own Heart, he loved all people, and those who had the privilege of knowing him will miss his genuine smile, warm hugs and heart felt conversation.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11 AM at the Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078. A time of viewing will be held from 10 AM until the start of the service. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra. A time of viewing will also be held on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 5 PM – 7 PM at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Homeland at Home Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way #270, Harrisburg, PA 17110.