Douglas K Alder

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on Tuesday, September 30. He was born February 4, 1938, to Lewis and Norine Alder, in a small town just outside of Whitney, Idaho. Doug was the youngest of five until, at age 14, he welcomed his brother Kevin.

He proudly served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft electrician. During that time, he married his first wife, Evelyn, and together they had a daughter, Jill, and a son, Jack, who passed away at birth. After his service, Doug worked for the Tom McCann Shoe Company and later spent 20 years as a route manager with Wonder Bread.

In 1969, Doug met his second wife, Jean, and they began an incredible 55-year journey together. Jean entered the restaurant business as the owner of the Ogden Pizzeria, and when the business flourished, Doug retired from Wonder Bread in 1983 to join her. Together, they became the heart of the Pizzeria- Doug greeting customers and making everyone feel welcome, while Jean worked tirelessly in the kitchen. Doug quickly became known as the face of the restaurant, while Jean was its backbone.

Doug had a twinkle in his eye and a sparkle about him- a way of making everyone feel like the most special person in the room. With his humor and warmth, he never met a stranger. No matter where he went- even across the country- someone was likely to recognize him and say, “Hey, it’s the pizza man!”

Doug and Jean shared a love of adventure and community. They spent many happy years bowling with friends at Ben Lomond Lanes, enjoying their home and friendships in Mesquite, taking road trips in their motorhome, and spending time on the golf course. Doug especially loved deer and elk hunting in the fall. No matter the season, they both made it a priority to show up for their grandchildren- whether it was on the sidelines of a sporting event or in the audience at a dance recital, they were always there to cheer them

on. Although Doug loved being social, he also cherished quiet moments at the mountain cabin he and Jean built for the family to enjoy.

When he married Jean, Doug embraced her daughters as his own. Together they had another little girl making him a father to five girls in total and earning the nickname “St. Douglas.” His greatest legacy is the love and devotion he gave to his wife and family. While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. We can only imagine the celebration in heaven.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his daughters Jill (Brian), Ronna, Tracy, Valerie (Pat), and Nicole (Frank); 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and his dog, Suki.

We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love from friends, former colleagues at Wonder Bread, and the many loyal patrons of the Ogden Pizzeria who have shared how Doug made a difference in their lives. When asked what he wanted inscribed on his headstone, Doug said simply: “It’s a great day for pizza!”

The family would like to thank his hospice nurse, Andrea, social worker, Cortney, and Dr. Moulten for the compassionate care they provided in his final year.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 12, from 1–3 p.m. at the Ogden Pizzeria, 936 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404, for all friends and family who wish to honor Doug. A private graveside service for family and close friends will follow on Monday, October 13, 2025. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Doug’s lifelong love of animals, the family kindly asks that donations be made to your local animal shelter.