Dennis George Wall

Dennis George Wall, 80, passed away on February 6, 2026, at the State of Idaho Veterans Home in Pocatello. He was born on April 12, 1945, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to George Albert and Tessie May (Miller) Wall. Dennis was the youngest of two boys, joining his older brother, Max, who arrived three years before him.

Dennis and Max grew up surrounded by cousins, neighborhood friends, and the rugged beauty of Mackay and its mountains. Their childhood home looked out toward Mt. McCaleb, a view that helped shape Dennis’s lifelong love for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, shooting, and exploring filled their days—and they always knew it was time to head home when Tessie’s unmistakable holler echoed across the yard.

Some of Dennis’s most vivid memories came from two summers spent in Wildhorse Canyon (Copper Basin), where their father worked in the mines and Tessie cooked for the miners. Those summers included adventure, hard work, and even surviving a cloudburst that washed out every bridge to Mackay, leaving the family stranded for a time. Wildhorse and Copper Basin remained two of Dennis’s most cherished places. He also looked forward to the beloved family traditions—the annual Wall Easter Picnic at Challis Hot Springs and the Wall Christmas Party, often held at Devil’s Bedstead.

School did not come easily for Dennis due to dyslexia, but he often spoke of a teacher—believed to be Mrs. Marjene Tew—who helped him in ways he never forgot. He attended school in Mackay, played football for Mackay High, and graduated in 1964.

On June 23, 1965, Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army with his childhood friend Jerry Wilson. He served in Hawaii in intelligence and artillery, earning an honorable discharge on June 17, 1967. Later, in the Army Reserves, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Sharpshooter Medal.

Carol Emerson became his lifelong companion and the love of his life. Together, they shared countless adventures—traveling, camping, fishing, and capturing moments through photography. Dennis worked as a long-haul truck driver before retiring from Lamb Weston after 22 years of service. He also treasured time spent with his lifelong friend, Nick Rukavina, working on old cars. With Carol’s encouragement, Dennis discovered a passion for reading and eventually became an avid reader.

Dennis is survived by his children, Amy Prather (Mackay, ID), Jennie Santistevan (Aurora, CO), and Kelly Wall (Pocatello, ID); and by Carol’s children, Todd Allison (Oregon City, OR) and Elizabeth Vollmer (Pocatello, ID). He is also survived by his brother, Max (Charlotte) Wall of Mackay; his nieces; many cousins; great-nieces and great-nephews; and newly arrived great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his stillborn sister, Marlene Wall; his parents, George and Tessie; and his life partner, Carol.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Pocatello Veterans Home for the care and kindness they provided throughout Dennis’s years there. A celebration of his life and the spreading of his ashes will be held at a later date.

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