Bernice Mae Hess
Dec. 6, 1922-Feb. 1, 2017
Bernice Mae Hess, 94, passed away on February 1, 2017.
Cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date.
Friends and family can leave written condolences and sign her online guestbook at the funeral home website www.blackhillsfuneralhome.com
Norman Everett Archer
Apr. 23, 1942-Feb. 15, 2017
Norman Everett Archer of Saint Jo, Texas passed away on February 15, 2017 at Nocona General Hospital.
Norman was born to Everett and Alberta (Macho) Archer on April 23, 1942 in Goodland, KS. He graduated from Kanorado High School in the spring of 1961 and Parks Business College in Denver, CO in 1962. He was working in J.C. Penny’s accounting department in Denver, CO, when his dad called and wanted his help at the farm.
While back at home in Kanorado, KS, he met Ann Baker and joined the Colorado National Guard. In August of 1965, he and Ann were married. He worked as a bookkeeper at a grain elevator in Colorado and while there his two sons, Ray and Jim, were born.
His career took the family to McCook, NE then to Newcastle, WY. He spent 35 years in Newcastle working for Jacobs Ranch Mine as a coal miner. When he retired from the coal mine, he found a new love, golf.
Norm and family enjoyed hunting in the Black Hills and Jackson Hole, and fishing in New Mexico and the Red River in Texas.
Norm and Ann were snowbirds and loved to spend the winters in Mission, TX. Eventually, they sold their home in WY and moved their summer homebase to Saint Jo, TX. This brought them closer to their sons and grandchildren and enabled them to continue to winter in Mission, with their snowbird family. In Mission, golf, RATS, shopping trips to Mexico, potlucks were some of the many activities.
Norman is survived by his wife of 51 yrs., Ann, son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Julie Archer of Krum, TX, son Jim Archer of Grand Prairie, TX, grandson Wyatt Archer of Richardson, TX, granddaughter Macy Archer of Krum, TX, sister Carol Simmering of Quinter, KS, brother-in-law, Calvin Baker of Douglas, WY, a nephew, Cody Baker of Douglas, WY and three nieces, Shelby Baker of Cheyenne, WY, Laura Blickenstaff of Overland Park, KS, and Debra Turner of Littleton, CO.
Norm requested no services, but to remember the fun times and great stories. Please send cards to Ann Archer P.O. Box 640, Saint Jo, TX 76265.
Louise W. Maki
Sept. 15, 1914-Feb. 24, 2017
Louise W. Maki of Newcastle passed away on February 24, 2017. She was the second child of Harry and Nellie (Hanson) Wight and born on September 15, 1914 on the family farm near Ong, NE. She grew up on the farm and graduated high school in 1932.
Louise graduated nursing school from Wesley Hospital in Wichita, KS in 1939. She married Elmer E. Maki on November 27, 1940 and they were blessed with two daughters. She worked as a nurse at Wyoming Medical Center until her retirement and lived in Casper until the early 1980’s. Louise was a resident at Weston County Manor for the last 7 years.
Louise enjoyed painting with watercolor, golfing, playing the piano, reading and participating in church. She and Elmer loved trout fishing at Lake Pactola in South Dakota. She enjoyed watching college football and was Nebraska’s Cornhuskers biggest fan. Go Big Red!
Survivors include grandchildren Troy (Janeice) Lynch; Nicole (John) Martin, and Mandi (Andrew) West; great-grandchildren Tyler (Keshia) Lynch, Travis Lynch, Abigail West, Levi West, Isabella West and Jonah West; and great-great-grandson Trenton Lynch; sisters Ethel Johnson, Marjorie Asper, and Bonnie Cartledge; brother Frank (LaVae) Wight; and, son-in-law Patt Lynch.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Elmer; daughters Karen Lynch and Joyce Adami; brother Dean Wight, and son-in-law Marvin Adami.
A graveside service will be at Highland Cemetery, 1541 E 4th St, Casper, on Friday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 23 N. Seneca Ave., Newcastle.
Special thanks are given to the Weston County Manor staff members for the excellent and compassionate care given to Louise.
Memorials may be given to Weston County Manor, 1124 Washington Blvd, Newcastle, WY 82701.
Glen Wesley Thompson
Jan. 10, 1927-Feb. 20, 2017
Glen Wesley Thompson passed away February 20, 2017 in Belle Fourche, SD, at the Belle Fourche Healthcare facility. Glen was born January 10, 1927, in Cheyenne, WY, the second child of Robert Hoffman Thompson and Athalia Cole Hamilton Thompson. He was raised around Cheyenne and in his high school senior year, he met Aloha Lane Miller.
After his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Army during World War II, and spent his time in Okinawa, Japan.
After the service, he worked fro nearly 20 years for Union Pacific Railroad. On February 20, 1948, he married Aloha Miller. January 10, 1949, his first child, Tani Lee Thompson-Sandy was born, which was his 22nd birthday. Three years later, February 16, 1952, his second daughter, Carla Lynn Thompson-Livingston was born.
Glen then went to work for Civil Service at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY. During those years, his son, Daniel Glen Thompson was born on February 1, 1962.
When civil Service ended, Glen continued as Base Maintenance Supervisor for Crimson Enterprises until his retirement, then retired to Mission, TX for approximately 10 years. Upon moving back, they bought a home in Sundance, Wyoming, living there for 17 years.
Glen is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Athalia; his brother, Robert Hamilton Thompson; his sister, June Marie Thompson-Hanson; his brother-in-law, Donald Andrew Hanson; his daughter, Carla Lynn Thompson-Livingston; and his wife, Aloha Lane Miller-Thompson.
Glen is survived by his daughter, Tani Thompson-Sandy (Charles Fowler), his son Daniel Glen Thompson (Dian); and his son-in-law, Perry Livingston (Suzette). He has five grandchildren, Deanna Sandy-Kor-Merrill (Michael); Benjamin Sandy (Angela), Travis Livingston (Kendall), Christopher Livingston (Amanda) and Brett Steven Thompson. He has three great-grandchildren, Bruin Kor, Paige Livingson, and Aden Livingston.
A memorial service is being planned for closer to summer.
Joan Egge
Jan. 22, 1938-Feb. 22, 2017
Joan Egge passed away peacefully on February 22, 2017 in Rapid City, SD. She was born on January 22, 1938 to Russell and Neva Bonsell in Lusk, Wyoming. Joan grew up on the family ranch with her siblings where her father instilled the value of hard work and her mother taught her the importance of education. Joan graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 1956 and from there attended Black Hills Teachers College (Black Hills State University). It was there that she met and fell in love with Gene Egge. They were married in 1959 and moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, where they had 2 children, Robert “Bob” and Gary. Joan loved her boys and raised them with the same values that she was taught on the ranch.
Joan went back to school and attended Black Hills State University where she graduated with the Class of 1970 with a Bachelor’s in Education. She taught in the Weston County School District for 32 years. Joan loved teaching and expected nothing but the best from her students. If they struggled to learn a concept, she just taught a different way until they understood it. She also enjoyed teaching the Gifted and Talented program and coached the Geography Bee for several years.
Joan’s two grandchildren, Sara and Garrett Egge, were the light of her life. She loved to spoil them and was so proud of their accomplishments. She entertained them with her silly sense of humor and enjoyed their summer stays with her. Their fondest memories are when she took them to Flintstone Village, Reptile Gardens, Mt. Rushmore, Story Book Island, and riding the 1880’s train.
Joan thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her friends playing Bridge and Bunco and attending plays at the Black Hills Playhouse.
Joan is survived by her sons, Robert and Gary (Ami); grandchildren, Sara and Garrett; sister, Connie (Doug) Yates of Cheyenne, WY; brother, Doug (Rhonda) Bonsell of Ekalaka, MT; many nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Russell (Cookie) Bonsell; sister, Janice (Roy) Gorsuch.
At Joan’s request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Joan may be made to First State Bank of Newcastle, PO Box 910, Newcastle, WY 82701 or to an organization of your choice.
Friends and family may sign her online guest register and leave written condolences for the family at the funeral home website, blackhillsfuneralhome.com
Dorothy Marie Draper
Nov. 19, 1922-Feb. 23, 2017
On February 23, 2017, the Lord called home an angel, Dorothy Marie Draper, 94 of Shoshoni, WY, passed away at home. Viewing will be at 10:00 am, services at 10:30 am Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at LDS Church in Newcastle, WY. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery with a dinner to follow at the church.
Dorothy Marie Anderson was born November 19, 1922, in Fairfield, Iowa to Raymond Alfred and Pearl Esther Glee (McCleary) Anderson. She was raised in Fairfield and started kindergarten at the age of 4 and completed high school at the age of 17. She was in the first class to graduate from the “new” high school as the old one burnt down.
She worked as a waitress at the Turner Hotel in Fairfield in 1940, she then worked as an assistant in an ear, nose and throat doctor’s office in 1941. When WWII broke out she went to Rock Island, IL in the arsenal division and worked at Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica, California from 1944 through 1945. While she was in California she enjoyed dancing at the Lawrence Welk’s Aragon Ballroom and going to Santa Monica Beach. After the war, she worked as a telephone operator in Fairfield, Iowa.
After coming to Wyoming for a visit, she met the love of her life, Boyd Draper. He swept her off her feet as the handsome Wyoming cowboy of her dreams. At the age of 24, she married Boyd on November 12, 1946 in Newcastle, WY. To this union, two daughters were born, Amy and Linda. She lived in Osage, WY until 2011 when she moved to Shoshoni, WY.
She was the secretary of the Women’s Club in Osage, WY during the 1960’s, belonged to the VFW Auxiliary. She devoted her life to her family, she was a great mother and grandmother. She was a member of the church of Latter Day Saints.
She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, dancing, cooking, bowling, sewing, reading, picnics, movies, and church. She loved visiting friends and being with her grandchildren. Especially, taking them to the movies and rollerskating.
She is survived by her daughters, Amy (Raymond) Douglas of Osage, WY, Linda (Hoot) Crichton of Shoshoni, WY; sister-in-law Winnie Fish of Hillsdales, MI; grandchildren Cameron (Kami) Douglas of Ramona, CA, Tammy (John) Bird of Osage, WY, Lori Johnson of Oklahoma, Monte Crichton of Reno, NV, Melanie Crichton of Brunswick, GA, 17 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Pearl Anderson; husband, Boyd Draper; brother, John Anderson; sister, Colleen Van Drimmelen; great-granddaughter Abbygail Crichton.
Services are under the direction of Worden Funeral Directors of Newcastle and the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.
Jerald “Jerry” Solyst
-Feb. 25, 2017
Jerald “Jerry” Solyst 76 of Sundance, Wyoming died February 25, 2017 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Arrangements are pending with Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel in Sundance, Wyoming.
Sandra Jean (Schwandner) Morgan
Nov. 29, 1938-Mar. 4, 2017
Sandra Jean (Schwandner) Morgan was born in Friendsville, Illinois on November 29, 1938, to Albert and Laura Schwandner. Sandy spent her childhood in southern Illinois where she attended Mount Carmel and Grayville Elementary Schools. She moved with her parents and brother, Jon, to Newcastle, Wyoming in 1952.
On September 26, 1956, she married Larry Doil Morgan in Rapid City and together they began to build their lives and start their family. Larry and Sandy had three children. LeAnn Larri was born in 1957, Randy Doil followed in 1958, and Laura Ilene in 1961.
Sandy worked in Greeley Colorado School District as a teacher’s aide and as a secretary for six years before returning to Newcastle in 1971. She was employed at Gertrude Burns elementary school in Newcastle as a secretary for 10 years.
One of Sandy’s true joys in life was singing. She was a choir member in her church, Christ the King Lutheran Church, and also sang with the Joy singers for several years. She was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Weston County Senior Center and was also a member of Tops # 218 in Newcastle for 25 years.
In 2012 Larry and Sandy left Newcastle, WY and moved to Spearfish, SD to enjoy their retirement years. Together they enjoyed trips to Deadwood and time spent with family.
Sandy was very proud of her family, her three children; LeAnn (Larry) Butts, Randy Morgan, and Laura (Jay Marchant) as well as her six grandchildren; Eliza (Doug) Dollison, Melody Marchant, Leilani (Jason) Williams, Shannon Morgan, Shaun Morgan, and Chance Morgan. Sandy also had three great – grandchildren; Tristin (Kellie) Dollison, Ashlyn Dollison, and Holly Rose Dollison. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Larry, two daughters LeAnn and Laura, one son, Randy, six grandchildren and three great – grandchildren, her brother, Jon and sister-in-law, Susan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and infant sister, Sylvia Ann Schwandner.
Sandy was a very special person. She touched everyone she met in a special way and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, March 9, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Newcastle Senior Center with Pastor Ron Sample officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
Lyle Everette King
Feb. 17, 1939-Mar. 5, 2017
Lyle E. King, 78, of Newcastle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 5 at Crook County Medical Services District in Sundance WY.
Lyle was born February 17, 1939, in Newcastle to Ivan and Norma King. He had 3 brothers and one sister, Larry King, Loren King, Robin King and Lenora King Chapman. He married the love of his life, Shirley King on November 6, 1960. Together they had two children, Burl King of Broken Arrow OK, and Audra King-Dudzinski of Newcastle.
Lyle attended school in Newcastle and graduated from Newcastle High School in 1957. He also was in the Wyoming Army National Guard where he served for 3 years. He worked for Shell Pipeline as a terminal operator for more than 20 years and retired in September 1998.
After retirement he enjoyed several different activities. He like to travel and see new things. He and Shirley were often on the road on some new adventure. When he wasn’t traveling he could be found in his woodshop. He loved tinkering around his shop and making new things from wood. He has made everything from sheep, birds, roadrunners, clocks to whatever else Shirley found for him.
He also loved hunting and fishing, and nothing made him happier than to float around on a lake in a boat with a fishing pole. When Burl was in high school he and Lyle spent their falls hunting for deer. One year Lyle thought it was a good idea to shoot a turkey for Thanksgiving, it was the worst turkey ever! In the evenings Lyle could often be found surrounded by his friends sitting at the bar in his house playing a competitive game of Cribbage.
Lyle loved his family, and found the most joy when he was around them. His grandsons, Collin and Wyatt, were his biggest joys and they always found a way to keep him entertained. He loved having them stay with him for the weekend and you never knew what adventure they were going to be on.
Lyle is preceded in death by his wife Shirley King, his parents Ivan and Norma King and his sister Lorena Chapman.
He is survived by his son Burl King and wife Mendocino, Broken Arrow, OK; his daughter Audra Dudzinski and husband Eric, Newcastle WY; his grandsons Brandon, Josh, Collin and Wyatt, and granddaughter Brittany; great grandchildren Silas, Cameron and Levi. As well as his brothers Larry, Loren, Robin and their families.
Services will be held at Worden’s Funeral Home in Newcastle Friday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Mick Bohn of the Foursquare Church officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Following the burial, a celebration of life will be held in his honor at the home of Audra and Eric Dudzinski.
Dennis Erling Holm
Jul. 19, 1935-Feb. 27, 2017
Dennis Erling Holm, age 81, passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 peacefully in his sleep at home. A celebration of life will be March 4, 2017, at 11 am at the Pine Haven Country Club with full military honors by American Legion Post 42 Drill Team. A potluck luncheon will follow at “R” Place in Pine Haven. A committal services will be Monday March 6, 2017 for both Dennis and Sharon at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, 2 p.m.
Dennis was born July 19, 1935 to Erling Holm and Anne Anderson; he was raised with his brother David in Minnesota. Dennis joined the Navy in 1954. After leaving the Navy with an honorable discharge, he married Betty Jane Stahke in 1958. Together they had 4 children, Keith, Brian, Stacy and Eric. The family moved to Gillette in 1974. Dennis was working for Campbell County Road and Bridge. In 1980 Dennis and Betty Jane divorced. Dennis became a member of the American Legion Post 42 and was a Drill Team member. In 1981 Dennis married Betty Zane, after a few years they also divorced; Dennis continued working for the County and took the position at the county landfill. While working at the landfill he hired Sharon Whiteman who became his wife in 1988. In 1996 the couple moved to Pine Haven, after a short time Dennis retired from Campbell County and took on some misc jobs. As an avid golfer, knowing how the course should be groomed, he then took the position of grounds keeper at the Pine Haven Country Club where he was still employed at the time of his death. Dennis and his bride Sharon were pretty much inseparable. They loved boating, fishing, camping, and traveling to many different places. Dennis enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter Lynsey when she would come out and visit in the summer and spending time with his adopted family (everyone called him dad). Dennis was well-known for his blade shaping skills and his woodwork. Dennis will be deeply missed by both family and friends.
Dennis is survived by his 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, brother, David and his bride of 28 yrs. Sharon.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Keyhole Country Club. Memorials and Condolences may be sent in Dennis’ name to the family in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.gillettememorialchapel.com
Ray O. Dare
Feb. 18, 1929-Mar. 8, 2017
Funeral services for Ray O. Dare will be Thursday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Worden Funeral Chapel in Newcastle with Rev. Mick Bohn of the Newcastle Foursquare church officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery under direction of Worden Funeral Directors of Newcastle.
A full obituary will follow in next week’s edition of the News Letter Journal.
Jerald Solyst
Feb. 19, 1941-Feb. 25, 2017
Jerald “Jerry” Solyst, 76 of Sundance, Wyoming passed away February 25, 2017 at Rapid City Regional Hospital after a very brief illness.
Jerry was born to Orville and Marjorie (McCray) Solyst on February 19, 1941 in Rochester, Minnesota. He was the oldest of five boys.
After graduating from Albert Lea High School, Minnesota in 1959 he attended college in Iowa City, Iowa. He served our country (Army) from 1964 to 1966. On August 22, 1965 he married Susan (Suzy) Graber. He later earned his Master’s Degree in social work from the Menninger Foundation in Lawrence, Kansas. He spent several years in Waterloo, Iowa working to improve the lives of impoverished citizens from the community in the Head Start Program. He was fondly nicknamed “The Black Mayor of Waterloo”, where he was an advocate for single mothers and children in the black community. They moved to Polo, Illinois to continue his social work. In 1976 they moved to Sturgis, SD and then in 1982 settled in Sundance, where he worked for the Northern Wyoming Mental Health Center until his retirement on June 1, 2015.
Jerry and Susan had two children, Deirdre and Daniel. They also took in Tina Tyler as a foster daughter. The couple were divorced in 1995.
Jerry was well-known and loved throughout the community of Sundance. He spent several decades as a school board member in Crook County and made it his mission to stand up for his beliefs on what he felt was best for schools, no matter the opposition. He has had a significant impact on many lives, helping them cope with depression, marriage issues, addiction and several other mental illnesses, all with a kind and compassionate demeanor.
Jerry was also an avid golfer and loved to play pool with his buddies and in the local pool tournaments. He started a yearly golf outing with many of his friends in 1991, traveling to many courses around the area where they would spend several days golfing, gambling and just having a good time. It continues to this day and is currently known as the “Deadwood Men’s Golf Tournament”.
Jerry is survived by his son, Daniel, daughter-in-law, Dena, and grandchildren; Elizabeth, Tanner, and Trevin all of Klamath Falls, Oregon, a foster daughter, Tina Banks of Cheyenne, Wyoming with her husband and three children, brothers; Dave and Steven of International Falls, Minnesota, Dennis of Oldsmar, Florida and Tim of Gainesville, Georgia as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and an Uncle in the Midwest. He is also survived by a special friend, Norma Peterson, and a fuzzy, four-legged friend, Charlie Brown of Sundance.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife, Suzy, and his daughter Deirdre.
A memorial service will be held at Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel in Sundance on March 28, 2017 at 10 a.m., with burial to be at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD at 2 p.m. later that day.
Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com
Donald Scheck
May 15, 1940-Mar. 7, 2017
Donald Scheck, 76, of Newcastle, WY passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2017. Donald was born on May 15, 1940 in Hayes, KS to Andrew and Thresia Scheck of Ellis, KS. Donald grew up Ellis, KS and moved to Newcastle where he met and married Merilyn Steuble on May 7, 1961.
Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and watching sports. Donald really enjoyed his trips to Deadwood and taking his paddle boat out to fish.
Donald is survived by his loving, beautiful wife of 56 years. Merilyn; daughter Aimee (Donald) Janvrin; grandsons Cade and Jet; daughter-in-law Debbie Scheck; grandsons Jared, Josh (Ashley), Jake Scheck, Paul (Liz) Scheck, Jr., Kimber (Andrew) Sampson, and Kayla (Merritt) Pederson and several great-grandchildren. Sisters Edna May Henjy, Norma Brock, Shirley Garhart and sister in law Faith Scheck all of Kansas, sister-in-law, Joan Borgialli and family of Newcastle, brother-in-law John (Jana) Steuble and family of Littleton, Co, brother-in-law Shaun (Caren) Singer and family of Johnstown, Co, many nieces and nephews and special cousins Bob and Peggy Svara and family of Newcastle. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Paul and Tim; siblings, Leroy and Barbara, and brother-in-law, Harry Borgialli.
A Celebration of life was held at the Weston County Senior Center in the Michael room at 1 p.m. on Saturday March 11, 2017. Interment will take place at a later date.
Honorary Pallbearers will; be Beau Gregory, Bart Gregory, Andrew Sampson, Merritt Pederson, Jerod Scheck, Josh Scheck, Jake Scheck, Paul Scheck, Jr., Cade Janvrin and Jet Janvrin.
The family suggests memorials to the Newcastle Youth Baseball League as he was instrumental in starting the Newcastle Little League baseball.
Jayme Jean Morgan Green
Jan. 3, 1970-Mar. 8, 2017
Jayme passed away March 8, 2017 at the Campbell County Hospital in Gillette, Wyo. after a long battle with cancer. Jayme was born January 3, 1970 in Gillette to Kathleen Porter Morgan and Eugene Morgan, the youngest of three children. She graduated from Campbell Co. High School in May 1984. In childhood and throughout life Jayme is remembered as a daredevil. She loved to experience new things such as skiing, dirt bikes, sky diving, rock climbing and hot wheeling. June 6, 2015 she was married to David Green the love of her life in Rapid City, S.D.
Jayme is survived by her husband David of Gillette, parents Kathie and Gene of Utah, grandmother Fern Porter of Newcastle, sister, Kelley Brooks (Tom) of N.D., brother Edward of Gillette, four nieces, two nephews, two great-nephews, uncle Daniel (Sandra) Porter of Gillette, Edward (Cindy) Porter of Newcastle, Mike Porter of Osage, aunts Ruth Liggette of Newcastle, Sandy (Jake) Clouse of Thermopolis and numerous cousins. Jayme was preceded in death by grandfather, Daniel Porter and aunt Mary McGlaughlin.
Memorial services were held at 10 a.m. on March 14, 2017 at St. Mathew’s Catholic church in Gillette with Father Cliff Jacobson officiating.
Ray O. Dare
Feb. 18, 1929-Mar. 8, 2017
Ray O. Dare was born February 18, 1929 on a homestead in the Clareton area, Weston County, Wyoming the son of Morton and Leeva York Dare. Ray was educated in Newcastle, Wyoming graduating from Newcastle High School in 1947. He was employed at various jobs in Newcastle including Updike Brothers until 1955. He then moved to California and worked at several refineries and chemical plants until working for the department of Defense for twenty one years, retiring in 1989. At this time he moved to Athol, Idaho.
He enjoyed building, fixing and repairing almost everything. He also loved painting doing several hundred oil paintings in his lifetime.
In 1957, he married Katherine Gunderson, they were later divorced in 1966.
Survivors include step daughters, Louise Konakis and Loretta Girton both of California; also surviving are numerous nephews and their children. Four step granddaughters and their children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, half sister Ethel, and brothers Woodrow, William, and Ivan Dare, sister June Barker.
Ray was a member of Eagles Aerie #486 of Cour D’ Alene, Idaho.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Worden Funeral Chapel in Newcastle with Rev. Mick Bohn of the Newcastle Foursquare church officiating. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery under direction of Worden Funeral Directors of Newcastle.
Carl “Bill” Hansen
May 19, 1926-Mar. 18, 2017
Carl William (Bill) Hansen, 90, Newcastle, died, Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the Custer Regional Senior Care.
Carl was the eldest of eight children of Carl and Ella (Toth) Hansen. He was born on the Walgren place near Horton, WY on May 19, 1926.
Bill was raised on the family ranch near Horton and in Newcastle. He attended grade school and high school in Newcastle, graduating in 1944. Bill then enlisted in the US Army (WWII) in 1944. He served two years in the European Theater (England, France and Germany). Bill was a combat infantryman and on the journey over on the Queen Elizabeth with 10,000 troops on the ship he was designated to go up into the crow’s nest (100’ in the air) to watch for enemy boats and aircraft. He landed at LaHarve, France, where the 106th Division was “Hitting the Battle of the Bulge” and used a BAR rifle.
He returned home from service and worked in the oil fields at Newcastle, the City of Newcastle, then working for Sioux Oil Company (now Wyoming Refining Company), Bill retired after 23 years with the refinery in 1989. On June 8, 1952 he married Lorna Allen at the Methodist Church in Newcastle and they have made their home in Newcastle since that date. Two children were born, Chris and Darlene who now live in Spearfish, SD.
Bill was a member of the Country Church at Four Corners, WY, First United Methodist Church and the VFW. Being the oldest of eight children, he learned to work at an early age and took on many needed tasks when his dad was away at work.
He was a man of many talents. Bill had the joy of spending summers at their Ponderosa Cabin after retirement, spending many hours cutting and splitting firewood. He loved to fish, hunt, walk and drive his Subaru. One of the delights of his life after retirement was a venture to remodel the Country Church building at Four Corners. He restored the old pews and built new ones, cut and hauled wood to church and worked wherever he was needed.
The time spent working on the church and attending was so special to him, with a renewal of his faith in God and the joy of fellowship.
Bill is survived by his son, Chris Hansen and daughter Darlene (Travis) Sears, all of Spearfish, two brothers; Fred (Barbara) Hansen, and Jack (Betty) Hansen, four sisters; Rose (Ervin) Allen, Lorraine Davis, Shirley (Roy) Borgialli, and Helen (Corbin) Nicolls, all of Newcastle, WY, one aunt, Elizabeth Cummings, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Lorna Allen Hansen; parents, Carl and Ella Hansen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ross and Lorella Allen; one brother, Jimmy Hansen; and one sister-in-law Zelpha Hansen; brothers and sisters –in-law; Ariel and Roosevelt Cole, Junior and Bertha Allen, Russell Davis, and David and Anna Marie Rawhouser.
Bill’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Westin County Senior Center on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Boyd Cemetery at Four Corners, WY. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been stablished. Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com
Vernon Dean Simmons
Sept. 21, 1928-Apr. 7, 2017
Vernon Dean Simmons went home to be with the Lord on Friday afternoon April 7, 2017. He had been taking care of the spring fence repair on his ranch on a beautiful warm spring day. He had started his third pickup load of the old fence posts that he had gathered this week from along the fence row. He had completed all the fence repairs needed ahead of time. He had had a good day taking care of things, which is what he always did. However he was tired and he laid down in the front seat of his pickup to rest before returning home. This is where his family found him laying in his pickup parked on a ½ section pasture four miles from the house. He appeared to be peacefully asleep but he was now with the Lord as a young man of 30.
Vern was born on September 21, 1928 to Jay and Hanna (Harms) Simmons in their Sod House in Weston County, Wyoming. His mother was attended by two mid-wives, Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Katie Hamm. In addition to his parents his family at the time of his birth was a sister Hazel and two brothers, Elvin William and Virgil Jay, who was also his best friend. His sister LuElla and brother Don were born later. Vern and Virgil had a remarkable childhood learning to ride horses, breaking broncs, and ranching and farming. They also learned the value of hard work and the lessons of responsibility that were essential to pioneer families in this wonderful new land called Wyoming.
Schooling was important to the family and Vern attended first grade in a school close behind the buildings of their family ranch, the next years a school two miles north and then with his siblings he attended the Fairview School District. The Clareton school was where they went to the eighth grade, which they took twice because their parents thought that would be enough school. However, Vern wanted to continue his education and earned enough credits to be graduated with the Newcastle High School class of 1946.
When his brother Virgil came home from serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Vern and Virgil bought the Shook Place Ranch and a two ton truck, They started their business hauling coal and cords of wood to all school houses between Midwest and Sundance for the winter. They also hauled coal to ranches in most of Weston and Crook counties and Newcastle homes. Their business expanded to ownership of two rental apartments and a rental house in Newcastle.
On March 8, 1956 Vern and Anna Lane were married in Upton, WY at the Methodist Church. When Vern and Anna celebrated their 61st Wedding Anniversary on March 8, 2017 he announced to the gathering of family that he had a very good life and he felt like he had been on their honeymoon all this time.
Not long after their marriage Vern and Virgil bought a farm together near Nisland, South Dakota on the Belle Fourche Irrigation District. Virgil and his wife Eleanor moved there while Vern and Anna were on the Jay and Hanna home ranch. The fall of 1959 Vern and Anna purchased the Florence Hamm Ranch and moved there to live. They were busy rebuilding the fences and buildings on this property. It was at this time that Vern perfected his Simmons fence corner which consisted of one post and a deadman. He was proud of this construction and often he said that even his grandchildren would not have to replace these. Vern and Anna bought the Elk Mountain ranch with a forest service permit and for 30 years hauled cattle for the summer up there on the Teepee cattle allotment.
Vern was a responsible man, a hard worker and always kept busy looking after his cattle and completing his fence work, often even before the repairs were needed. However he did like to take the time to visit with his neighbors. In addition to taking care of his home, ranch and family, Vern felt a strong obligation to contribute to the community where he lived. With this in mind Vern spent 25 years serving on the ASCS County Committee, 10 years as a 4-H Leader, and 5 years serving on the FHA Committee.
Family was important to Vern and he especially liked to visit the Simmons Family Reunion in August in Eastern Nebraska and Kansas on alternate years. Also he enjoyed Ann’s Family Reunion in June 2016 in Western Nebraska.
Vern leaves a wife of 61 years, Anna Lane Simmons of the family home, a son Joseph and Michele Field Simmons of Rural Weston County, WY, a daughter Jacqueline and Keith Parks of Newcastle, grandchildren Jason and Marie Simmons of Tempe, Arizona and Ashley and Dennis LaRoche of Rural Weston County, WY. He is also survived by brother Don Simmons and friend Karen Abbas, of Rural Weston County sister-in-law Eleanor Simmons of Newell, South Dakota, and many nephews and nieces of local Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, California , Colorado and a host of good friends and neighbors.
Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Leo, a child of 6 months old, Elvin and Virgil, sisters Hazel Simmons Niemcyk and LuElla Simmons Mahoney, brothers-in-law Gene Mahoney, Felix Niemcyk, Albert Niemcyk and nieces Linda Simmons and Jamie Emmert Mattison.
The Worden Funeral Home of Newcastle is in charge of the services to be held in Newcastle at the First United Methodist Church which will be held on April 15 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at the Methodist Church 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the 4-H clubs of Weston County, WY. Burial will be at the Upton Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. A reception will be held at the Senior Citizens Center of Newcastle immediately following the funeral services at the Church. The family appreciates your attending.
Barbara J. (Joski) Lax
Jul. 8, 1939-Mar. 28, 2017
Barbara J. Lax, 77, of Newcastle died Tuesday, March 28th at Weston County Health Services. She was born July 8, 1939 at Green Bay, Wisconsin the daughter of Nick and Anna (Danielski) Joski. She completed her high school education at Preble High School of Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1977. She married Norbert R. Lax, Sr. on August 31, 1957. He preceded her in death January 29, 2005. Barbara enjoyed crocheting, sewing, making doll bridal dresses winning several awards with her works. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially time with her grandkids and her two puppies Foxy and Ellie.
Survivors include two daughters, Sue Lax of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lisa and Dean Morton of Laramie, Wyoming; two sons Norbert (Norrie) Lax, Jr., and Andy Lax of Newcastle, Wyoming; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna DePrey and Rose (Ron) Piontek and brother Robert (Sandy) Joski; sister-in-law Pat Joski and brother-in-law Cal De Baker. Preceding her in death were her parents, Nick and Anna Joski, brother John Joski, Sister Mary Ann De Baker and brother-in-law John De Prey.
Recitation of The Rosary was from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 31 at Worden Chapel, Funeral Mass was at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with father Tim Martinson officiating Burial followed Mass at the Boyd Cemetery at Four Corners, Wyoming. Pallbearers were Norbert Lax, III, Nathanial Lax, Jesse Lax, Dave Jossart, Dan Novak and Randy Farella.
Mabell Juanita Aldridge
Aug. 14, 1947-Mar. 29, 2017
Mabell Juanita Aldridge passed away suddenly at Custer Regional Clinic in Custer, SD on March 29, 2017. She was 69 years old.
Mabell was born August 14, 1947 in Deadwood, SD and was the oldest of three children born to Roy and Gladys (Harney) Jones. The family lived in Sundance for several years and then moved to Newcastle when Mabell was in third grade. She graduated Newcastle High School in 1965, then went on to attend beauty college in Sheridan, Wyoming.
In 1970 Mabell met and married Charlie Patterson. In 1971 the family moved to Nels Smith’s ranch south of Sundance where Charlie worked as a ranch hand with Mabell often helping with the cattle and ranch work.
In 1975 they moved back to Newcastle, and while Charlie worked for Dixon Brothers, Mabell was mostly a stay-at-home mom to their daughters. In 1980, she started driving semi-truck with Charlie. Mabell and Charlie divorced in 1984. Shortly afterward she started work for Powder River Transportation, driving the Jacob’s Ranch Mine bus. She drove the bus for seven and a half years and during that time became the supervisor in Newcastle.
From 1991 to 1995 Mabell married again and moved to Illinois. She drove for bus companies there and then later in Colorado before divorcing and returning to Newcastle upon her mother’s death. In August of 1995, she started driving for Weston County School District #1. From 2003 to 2005 she worked as a C.N.A. but eventually came back to the school district where she drove bus routes, field and activity trips up until her death. Mabell loved driving school bus and enjoyed “her kids” that rode her route bus.
Mabell enjoyed family, the outdoors, camping, reading, crocheting, music, horses and writing to her pen friends. She loved the Black Hills and Devils Tower. She enjoyed the latter so much, she made multiple trips to it every year and walked the trails. She even made time in her busy life to purchase and manage the Wild Hare Book store with her daughter, Tonya. Spending time with her grandchildren, especially Erik, was something she cherished the most.
Mabell is survived by her daughters Tonya Crawford of Newcastle and Rhonda Gallagher of Colorado, brother Jim (Susan) Jones of Newcastle, brother-in-law Tim Schmitz of Custer, SD, six grandchildren: Erik Crawford of Newcastle, Dustin (Cherie) Gallagher of Newcastle, Jade Nielsen of South Dakota, Morgan Gallagher, Colton Gallagher and Andrew Townsend all of Colorado, two great-grandchildren, Rena Gallagher and Matthew Gallagher of Newcastle, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Barbara Schmitz.
Cremation has taken place and the family will scatter her ashes in the Black Hills this summer. A memorial service will be held at the Senior Center on April 29, 2017 at 2 p.m.
Loyd John Reimer
Apr. 4, 1917-Apr. 4, 2017
Loyd John Reimer was born in his family home in Chinook, Montana, on April 4, 1917. He died peacefully in Newcastle, WY, on April 4, 2017, on his 100th birthday. He was born at home, the third of nine children of his German immigrant father Jakob Reimer and mother Elizabeth Wiebe Reimer. When Loyd was eight years old the family was forced to leave Montana due to drought and grasshoppers and moved to Oshoto, WY. After another move he entered school with his two older sisters and graduated with them in the class of 1936 from the Hulett, WY, high school. After graduation Loyd taught for seven years in rural schools in Crook and Weston counties.
In April 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy to help with the US efforts in WWII. He served on the destroyer the USS Nicholas and encountered the enemy in numerous battles from Hawaii to the Philippines to Australia. The Nicholas was later commended at the end of WWII when it and other naval vessels were asked to escort the US signatories to sign the peace treaty in Yokohama, Japan. Loyd served two and a half years on the Nicholas. He was a proud veteran and encouraged others to remember the efforts of all veterans.
After the war he and Virginia Bruce were married in Newcastle, WY, on June 4, 1946. They had three sons Lanny, John, and Paul. He joined the National Guard and retired after 30 years of service.
Loyd worked many years as a surveyor for the Wyoming Highway Department and enjoyed a long active retirement starting in 1983. He always enjoyed gardening and daily exercise, including running. He felt exercise and hard work to be the bases of good health. He cherished family gatherings, enjoyed gardening, working outside, and hobbies of woodwork and jewelry making. He revered his mother and the mothers of his descendants for their efforts. He valued hard work and a job well done as tributes to both his father and mother.
He was preceded in death by his son John in 1985, his wife Virginia in 1990, sisters Anna, Stella, Zelma, and Ida, and brothers Henry and Alven. Ella Rawhouser, a close friend for eighteen years also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his children Lanny (Connie), Paul (Barb Hill), John’s wife Rhonda DeBello, and grandchildren Crystal Emry (Geoff), Christopher (Dessa), Carol Hopkin (Paul), Michael (Mellissa), Jacob (Jen), Mandy Rogers (Joshua), Kristen, and Caitilin, lifelong friend Marge McCoy and her two daughters Lisa and Chris as adopted granddaughters, and by his brother Carl (Martha) and sister Nina Bannister both in Gillette, WY, nine great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Loyd was buried next to Virginia in Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle, WY, on April 8, 2017.