Sheridan County's Daily NEWSpaper
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April 30, 2005 Edition
No obituaries reported.
April 29, 2005 Edition
Robert David Hokanson, 66, Buffalo, died Tuesday in an automobile accident two miles east of Buffalo. Visitation is 1 to 9 p.m. today and 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Adams Funeral Home, Buffalo. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, the Rev. John Myer officiating, followed by graveside services at Willow Grove Cemetery.
Dorothy E. Gibbs, 89, Sheridan, died Thursday, April 28, 2005, at Westview Health Care Center. Visitation is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, Chad Gibbs officiating, with burial in Sheridan Elks Cemetery.
April 28, 2005 Edition
Mary Schaffer, 87, Sheridan, died Monday, April 25, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Kirk Peters officiating, with burial in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Born June 10, 1917, in Scottsbluff, Neb., to Alexander and Katherina (Romich) Weitzel Sr., she grew up and attended school in Scottsbluff. She married Elmer F. Schaffer on Jan. 28, 1934, in Scottsbluff. They moved to Hardin, Mont., in 1942 and to Sheridan in 1945. Mrs. Schaffer was a homemaker and also took care of the elderly in their homes for many years. She belonged to Immanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed her yard, gardening, feeding and watching birds, all animals, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her husband and three brothers preceded her in death. Survivors include three sons, Gerald, Elmer and Ron Schaffer, all of Sheridan; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may benefit Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund, 1300 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
April 27, 2005 Edition
Helen Georgen, 85, Sheridan, died Saturday, April 23, 2005, at Sheridan Manor. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, the Rev. Kevin Jones officiating, with burial in Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Born Jan. 24, 1920, in Acme to Adam and Regina (Blaha) Boyko, she graduated from Sheridan High School in 1939 and married Daniel Georgen on Dec. 28, 1955, in Miles City, Mont. The couple spent many years in the Birney, Mont., area. Mrs. Georgen enjoyed plants, gardening and baking. Her husband preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons, Dan Georgen of Big Horn and David Georgen of Belgrade, Mont.; a sister, Ann Wantulok of Wyarno; and two grandsons. Memorials may benefit Sheridan Senior Center in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Mary Schaffer, 87, Sheridan, died Monday, April 25, 2005, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Kirk Peters officiating, with burial in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may benefit Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund, 1300 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
April 26, 2005 Edition
Velda Cohn Warren, 96, Sheridan, died Monday, April 25, 2005, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Services will be private with arrangements by Kane Funeral Home.
Helen Georgen, 85, Sheridan, died Saturday, April 23, 2005, at Sheridan Manor.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, the Rev. Kevin Jones officiating, with burial in Sheridan Elks Cemetery.
Memorials may benefit Sheridan Senior Center in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
April 25, 2005 Edition
Former Sheridan resident Jason E. Obert, 29, Fountain, Colo., died Thursday, April 21, 2005, when his helicopter was shot down in Iraq. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Helen Georgen, 85, Sheridan, died Saturday, April 23, 2005, in Sheridan Manor. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Mary Schaffer, 87, Sheridan, died today, April 25, 2005, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
April 23, 2005 Edition
No Obituaries reported.
April 22, 2005, Edition
William H. “Tink” Badget, 74, of Sheridan died Thursday, April 21, 2005, at Sheridan Manor. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be 2-5 p.m. Saturday in the Geneva Room of the Sheridan Holiday Inn. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Mr. Badget was born Oct. 12, 1930, in Sheridan to George Bolin and Tenna Irene (Gochnauer) Badget. He grew up in Sheridan. He left school after the 10th grade, but he later obtained a GED. He joined Wyoming's 300th Field Artillery in 1950 and was stationed in Korea for 13 months. He was honorably discharged as a master sergeant in 1952. He married Nadine Horten in 1953. He worked as a paint-and-body man, but he especially enjoyed working for Cleo Moreland, tending cattle and horses. He was manual arts therapist at the Sheridan VA Medical Center for 21 years, until he retired in 1973. After retiring from the VA, he continued working as a finish carpenter. He married Esther Kreger Graves in 1981. His health became an issue in 1988, and he received a heart transplant in 1990. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the Big Horn Mountains. He was a life member of the Sheridan Elks Lodge 520 and the American Legion. He was preceded in death by a brother, George, in 2003. Survivors include his wife, of Sheridan; a son, Will of Boulder City, Nev.; three daughters, Mickie Badget Foss of Justin, Texas, Shirley Lehr of Littleton, Colo., and Sharon Graves Tracy of Sheridan; a sister, Margaret Renwick of Santa Ana, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Genevieve E. Trotter, 102, of Sheridan died Wednesday, April 20, 2005, in Westview Health Care Center. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday in the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Doug Melius officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 2121 Colonial Drive, Sheridan, or the Friendship Chapter 51, Order of the Eastern Star, in care of Wilma Browne, 844 W. Works St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Former Sheridan resident John T. Yarrington, 86, of San Marcos, Texas, died Wednesday, April 20, 2005. Graveside Services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kyle Cemetery. Arrangements are with Pennington Funeral Home of San Marcos. Mr. Yarrington was born July 24, 1918, in West Point, Texas, to John T. and Virginia (Andrews) Yarrington. He lived in Sheridan from 1949-78. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Lou Yarrington, on Oct. 17, 1993. Survivors include two sons, Ron of Denver and Richard Yarrington of San Antonio; a daughter, Diane Pruett of San Antonio; eight grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
April 21, 2005, Edition
Genevieve A. Batty, 86, of Sheridan died Monday, April 18, 2005, in Westview Health Care Center. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Friday at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Burial will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Batty was born May 7, 1918, to Theodore and Adelina Johnston in the Swedish community of Lindsborg, Kan. She grew up on a farm and attended a country school in Lindsborg. She graduated from high school in 1937 and attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence. She married James “Jake” Batty in July 1943 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Kan. They moved to Marshfield, Wis., where Mrs. Batty worked for Hallmark while her husband did his residency in medicine and surgery. They later returned to Kansas City. The family moved to Sheridan in 1957. Mrs. Batty was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, the Medical Auxiliary, Investments Club and the Sheridan Country Club. She enjoyed singing in the church choir. She enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, traveling, golf and bridge. She also enjoyed going to the family cabin in the Big Horn Mountains. She and Dr. Batty attended many governor's balls and went on cruises to Europe. She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters Dorothy Looney, Beulah Easton and Lila Edwards; and brothers, William and Theodore Johnston. Survivors include a son, Hugh K., M.D., of Sheridan; three daughters, Lou Ann J. Gardner of Sheridan, Jenifer L. Alstbury of Missoula, Mont., and Jamie S. Watson of Kingwood, Texas; and 11 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Woman's Club in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
BUFFALO — Margaret Eleanor Johnston, 76, of Buffalo died Tuesday, April 19, 2005, in Campbell County Memorial Hospital. Visitation is 1-9 p.m. today and 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. A Rosary will be 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with the Rev. George VonKaenel officiating. Private family burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Sauk Centre, Minn. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Johns Foundation in care of the funeral home.
William “Tink” Badget, 74, of Sheridan died this morning, April 21, 2005, in the Westview Health Care Center. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Genevieve E. Trotter, 102, of Sheridan died Wednesday, April 20, 2005, in Westview Health Care Center. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
April 20, 2005 Edition
Eleanor “Ellie” Litzel, 59, of Lusk died Monday, April 18, 2005, in the Johnson County Health Care Center in Buffalo. She was sister of Linda Betz of Clearmont. Visitation will be 1-9 p.m. Thursday in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Big Horn Baptist Church in Buffalo with the Rev. Russ Grim officiating. Graveside services will be 4 p.m. in the Green Mountain Cemetery in Sundance. Mrs. Litzel was born Aug. 27, 1945, in Rapid City to Henry and Ethel Moeller. She grew up on the family ranch at Blackhawk, S.D. She was a 1963 graduate of Sundance High School. She married James Litzel on Dec. 20, 1964, in Sundance. They ranched near Aladdin. They later spent three years on the 60 Bar Ranch south of Gillette before settling in Buffalo in 1969. They purchased a ranch north of Lusk in 1988. They remained on the ranch until Mrs. Litzel's health forced them to move back to Buffalo. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching bull riding, riding a horse or her all-terrain vehicle and working on the ranch. She also enjoyed playing piano and singing. She was preceded in death by her father. Other survivors include her husband, of Lusk; her mother, of Sundance; three sons, Rod of Buffalo, Rick of Grand Junction, Colo., and Toy of Edgemont, S.D.; two brothers, Tuff Moeller of Sundance and Chub Moeller of Swan Valley, Idaho; and two other sisters, Betty Myers of Sundance and Jenny Crawford of Newell, S.D.; and eight grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Susie Bowling Lawrence Hospice in care of the funeral home.
Genevieve A. Batty, 86, of Sheridan died Monday, April 18, 2005, in Westview Health Care Center. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Friday at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Woman's Club in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Frederick Paul Goehring, 75, of Sheridan died Saturday, April 16, 2005, in Sheridan Manor. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.
Sylvia R. Roberts, 66, of Sheridan died Tuesday, April 19, 2005, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
April 19, 2005 Edition
Former Sheridan school administrator Robert D. “Bob” Clapham, 77, of Dayton died Sunday, April 17, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Name Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Stolcis and the Rev. Bruce Clapham officiating. Mr. Clapham was born April 10, 1928, in Edgemont, S.D., to William and Ruth (Trotter) Clapham. He was a 1946 graduate of Edgemont High School. He graduated in 1951 from Chadron (Neb.) State College with a degree in education. He participated in football and track in high school and football in college. He began his teaching career in January 1952 at Cheyenne River School in eastern Niobrara County. He married Evelyn Gunderson on Dec. 27, 1952. They moved to Lance Creek where Mr. Clapham taught junior high school and coached basketball. In fall 1954, he began teaching in the high school at Arvada. Mr. Clapham received his master's degree in education and became superintendent of the Arvada schools. He became principal of Tongue River Junior/Senior High Schools in 1959, then in 1965, he became superintendent of the Clearmont Schools and, later, the Arvada-Clearmont school district. The family moved to Lodge Grass, Mont., in 1972, and Mr. Clapham was an elementary school principal and, later, junior high school principal. He retired during fall 1984 and the family moved to Dayton the following year. Mr. Clapham enjoyed the Big Horn Mountains, hunting, fishing and golfing, spending a couple of summers as course marshall for the Horseshoe Mountain Golf Club. He enjoyed dancing with Mrs. Clapham. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis and Richard, and one sister, Sharon Wentzel of Dayton. Survivors include his wife, of Dayton; two sons, David of Dayton and Darrel of Kasson, Minn.; a daughter, Carleen Peterson of Pinehurst, Idaho; a sister, Arleen Boltz of Geneseo, Ill.; a brother, Bill of Denver; and four grandchildren.
Genevieve A. Batty, 86, of Sheridan died Monday, April 18, 2005, in the Westview Health Care Center. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
April 18, 2005 Edition
Sheridan native Gerald L. Shaffer, 85, of Montrose, Colo., died on Oct. 8, 2004, in the Grand Junction (Colo.) VA Medical Center from complications of a broken hip. Private graveside services will be Tuesday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. A reception will be from 4-6 p.m. at the Eagles Club 186, 850 N. Main St. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. Shaffer was born June 15, 1919, in Sheridan in the home of his mother, Oma (Bell) Carter-Shaffer. He went by several names, including Jack Rutherford Carter, Gerald LeRoy Carter, Gerald LeRoy Bell — for his grandparents, T.A. and Susan Bell — and later, at the request of his mother, Gerald Shaffer. He worked on the family farm and for the railroad. He married Gertrude Dorthea Finley on April 19, 1941. On July 16, 1943, he joined the Army Air Corps. He obtained the rank of staff sergeant and was a right wing gunner on a B-17. He served in the European Theater beginning Aug. 16, 1944, and received the E.A.M.E. Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart and Air Medal with Three Oak Clusters. He participated in battles and campaigns in Rome, Arno, the Rhineland, North Apennines, Southern France and Air Combat Balkans. He flew more than 35 combat missions and was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps on Sept. 20, 1945. He returned to Sheridan and worked for 25 years for the Wyoming Highway Department and, later, for the city of Sheridan. Mrs. Shaffer died in 1965. Mr. Shaffer married Gwen Tobin; they were later divorced. Mr. Shaffer later worked for the Pass Creek Ranch until his health forced him to leave that job. He moved to Montrose in 2002. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Elchard, Floyd “Hawk” and Alvin; and two sisters, Mary Belle Clark and Pauline Egbert. Survivors include two daughters, Jerrie Bennage of Sheridan and Phyllis Shaffer of Montrose; five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Sheridan native Floyd Businga, 74, of Denver died Feb. 27, 2005, of pancreatic cancer.
Memorial services were at 2 p.m. on March 10 in the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver under direction of the Horan and McConaty Wadsworth Family Chapel of Lakewood, Colo.
Mr. Businga was born Sept. 7, 1930, in Sheridan to Lucille and Raymond Businga. He was a 1948 graduate of Sheridan High School. He later moved to Casper where he lived until 1965, when he settled in Denver. Survivors include his wife, Shirley, now of Kansas City, Mo.; a daughter, Cheri Streeter of Independence, Mo.; and a sister, Maryellyn Miller of Casper. Memorials may be made to the Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec Ave., Denver, CO 80231.
Ellen E. Cotton, 91, of Sheridan died Friday, April 15, 2005, at her residence. Cremation has taken place. A “Celebration of Life” will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Miller officiating. Scattering of Mrs. Cotton's cremains will follow for family and friends at the family ranch north of Decker, Mont. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Dog & Cat Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Frederick Paul Goehring, 75, of Sheridan died Saturday, April 16, 2005, in Sheridan Manor. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Robert D. Clapham, 77, of Dayton died Sunday, April 17, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Services are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
April 16, 2005 Edition
Former Sheridan resident Neil Justin Howarth, 78, of Bozeman died Thursday, April 14, 2005, at his residence. Memorial services will be at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at St. James Episcopal Church in Bozeman. A reception will follow the services. A private family burial will be in Buffalo. Mr. Howarth was born March 26, 1927, in Borger, Texas, to George W. and Merle A. Howarth. The family moved to Buffalo the following year, then to Las Vegas in 1943. Mr. Howarth graduated from high school and enlisted in the Navy. After he was discharged, he attended the University of Wyoming. He married Ruth E. Sandercock on Aug. 29, 1948. They moved to Missoula, Mont., where he attended the School of Forestry at Montana State University-Missoula. He graduated in 1950. The family moved to Buffalo, and Mr. Howarth worked for his father in the propane gas business. He accepted a position as a junior forester in the Lincoln National Forest at Alamagordo, N.M., and was stationed at Sacramento, N.M. in July 1951. While he was in Alamagorda, he found the bear cub that later became famous as “Smokey.” His 32-year career with the United States Forest Service included assignment to the Bighorn National Forest in Sheridan as well as national forests in Montana and Idaho. He retired in December 1983. He was a past master of Montana Lodge No. 2 in Ennis, a member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry and Algeria Temple of the Shriners. He was a member of the Society of Range Management and the Lions Club and a life member of Bozeman Elks Lodge 463. He was a member of Valley View Golf Club, St. James Episcopal Church and Formal Dance Club. He enjoyed hunting, golf and fishing. Mrs. Howarth preceded him in death. He married Barbara “Bobbie” Young on Dec. 27, 1988. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Frederick, and a daughter, Nancy Robbins. Survivors include his second wife; a son, Allan of Koblitz, Austria; two stepdaughters, Linda Barick of Flower Mound, Texas, and Laura Jaillet of Carrollton, Texas; two grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, P.O. Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604 or to the Bozeman Deaconess Hospice, 915 Highland lvd, Bozeman, MT 59715.
Former Sheridan resident Gerald L. Shaffer, 85, died on Oct. 8, 2004, in the Grand Junction (Colo.) VA Medical Center from complications of a broken hip. Private family graveside services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with the officers of the Eagles Lodge officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
April 15, 2005 Edition
Sheridan County native Rose Marie Kitchel, 79, of Gillette died Monday, April 11, 2005, in Campbell County Memorial Hospital of natural causes. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Gillette with Mike Turley of the Sheridan Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses officiating. Visitation will be private. Arrangements are with Stevenson Funeral Home of Gillette. Mrs. Kitchel was born Oct. 2, 1925, to Frank and Marie Ann (Wattenburg) Barham in Kleenburn. She moved with her mother and siblings to Igloo, S.D., in 1941, and graduated from Provo High School in 1945. She worked as a letter carrier and later on the Bones Brothers Dude Ranch. She married Alva Kitchel on Nov. 21, 1947, in Sheridan. The family moved to Anaconda, Mont., in 1952 and to Butte, Mont., in 1991. They later returned to Anaconda. Mrs. Kitchel was a homemaker for most of her life. In 1980, she returned to Sheridan to take care of her mother. She remained in Sheridan after her mother's death and worked part time at the Trails End Museum, then at Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library until 1990, when she retired. She moved to Gillette in 1998 to be close to her son and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading and doing puzzles. She was preceded in death by her husband and one brother. Survivors include three sons, Aaron of Gillette, Bruce of Las Vegas and Cameron of Anaconda, Colo.; two sisters, Hazel Peirson of Silver Springs, Nev., and Ruth Haas of Sheridan; a brother, Fred Barham of Sheridan; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent in care of Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716 or via the Internet at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Edward Peterson, 79, Casper, died Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. Arrangements are pending with Bustard Funeral Home in Casper with local arrangements by Kane Funeral Home.
Former Sheridan resident Merritt James “Tommy” Thompson, 84, of Tucson, Ariz., died Monday, March 21, 2005, at his residence. Services were March 25 at Evergreen Mortuary in Tucson. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. Thompson was born July 28, 1920, in Gildford, Mont., and grew up in Havre, Mont. He was a graduate of Havre High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-45. He moved to Sheridan in 1947. He moved to Linch in 1951 and worked for Conoco for 32 years. He was a member of Pathfinder Masonic Lodge 42, A.F. and A.M. in Casper. He and his wife retired to Apache Junction, Ariz., in 1983, then to Tucson in 2000. Survivors include his wife, Marian; two sons, Ron of Riverton and Stanley of Tucson; three granddaughters; two step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren.
April 14, 2005 Edition
Memorial services for James Lee Schlegel, 41, of Story, who died Feb. 17, 2005, will be 4 p.m. Saturday at the Story Woman's Club. Mr. Schlegel's obituary was published in the Feb. 19 edition of The Sheridan Press. The obituary was resent to The Press on Monday by Adams Funeral Home of Buffalo. It was republished in Tuesday's Sheridan Press with the wrong date of death. The Press regrets publishing the wrong date of death.
April 13, 2005 Edition
Anita Parrish Severance, 57, of Sheridan died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Deaconess Hospital in Billings. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ron Nelson officiating. A reception will follow the service. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mrs. Severance was born Sept. 7, 1947, in Chicago to Earl Parrish and Mary McGlenn. She grew up in Chicago and moved to Sheridan around 1970. She married William Severance on May 23, 1970. She was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church for several years and was a member of the church choir. She ran the sound system for church services and special events. She was an avid belly dancer in her younger days and at one time headed a Star Trek club in Sheridan. She was a computer buff. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Earl. Survivors include her husband; a son, Michael Earl Severance of Sheridan; a daughter, Annette Long of Buffalo; three sisters, Mary Lilis of Richmond, Va., and Bernie and Kerrie Parrish of Lake Bay, Wis.; and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Welch Cancer Center.
Memorial services for James Lee Schlegel, 41, Story, who died April 7, are 4 p.m. Saturday at the Story Woman's Club. Mr. Schlegel's obituary appeared in Tuesday's Sheridan Press.
April 12, 2005 Edition
James Lee Schlegel, 41, of Story died Thursday, April 7, 2005, at his residence. Private family services will be later. Arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home of Buffalo. Mr. Schlegel was born Oct. 27, 1963, in Freeport, N.Y., to Robert and Vaunda Schlegel. He attended elementary school in Story, then received his associate's degree from Sheridan College. He moved to Salt Lake City and worked as a welder-fabricator until 1991, when he moved to Elko, Nev. He married Ramona Watson in Elko in 1992. The couple moved to Pocatello, Idaho, in 1999, then to Story in 2002. Mr. Schlegel enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include his wife; his mother, Vaunda Jones; a son, Kyle Bergum of Elko; three daughters, Jamie and Jennifer Schlegel, both of Story, and Savannah Bergum of Pocatello; two sisters, Sharon Schlegel of Story and Punky and Bronco Legerski, both of Sheridan; and his grandmother, Frances Huggins of Story. Memorials may be made to Project ALS in care of Adams Funeral Home, 351 N. Adams St., Buffalo.
Denis R. Ferrari, 61, of Gardner, Mass., died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, Mass. He was brother of Dr. David P. Ferrari of Sheridan. Funeral services were Monday in the Petersham (Mass.) Orthodox Congregational Church. Burial was in Silver Lake Cemetery in Athol, Mass. Mr. Ferrari was born in Athol on Dec. 26, 1943, to Antonio and Greta (Richards) Ferrari. He grew up in Athol and was a 1961 graduate of Athol High School. He worked in the shipping department of Harrington and Richardson in Gardner for many years. He was a member of Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church and the Singing Men of Athol. He enjoyed reading, cooking and radio-controlled airplanes. Other survivors include his wife, Alice L. (Thiem) Ferrari; two sons, Michael R. of Orange, Mass., and Matthew R. of Gardner; and a daughter, Greta D. Ferrari of Athol. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church Music Fund, 21 N. Main St., Petersham, MA 01366.
Anita Parrish Severance, 57, of Sheridan died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Billings Deaconess Hospital. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ron Nelson officiating. A reception will follow the service. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Welch Cancer Center.
April 11, 2005 Edition
Gilbert J. von Knipper, 78, of Big Horn died Thursday, April 7, 2005, at Sheridan VA Medical Center. At his request, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be later in Ortonville, Mich. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Mr. von Knipper was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., on March 3, 1927. He was an “atomic veteran,” according to his family, landing in Hiroshima, Japan, the day after the bomb was dropped. He endured post-traumatic stress syndrome for the rest of his life. He and his wife, Betty, were married 56 years. He was a former employee of the Detroit News. After retirement he divided his time between summers in Big Horn and winters in Arizona. Survivors include his wife; a son, Kurt; a daughter, Robin Samberg; and a granddaughter. Memorials may be made to Sheridan Dog & Cat Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Henry James “Jim” Myers, 81, of Sheridan died Friday, April 8, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Sheridan Elks Lodge 520 officiating. At Mr. Myers' request, cremation will follow the service. Mr. Myers was born Feb. 22, 1924, in Sayle, Mont., to Henry Gale and Jessie (Buchanan) Myers. He grew up on the family homestead on Powder River and attended school at Sayle. He served in the Navy during World War II. After service, he returned to Forsyth, Mont., then moved to Sheridan and worked in the Ash Creek oil field. He married Margaret Jorgensen. He went to work in the painting department at Sheridan VA Medical Center in 1956. He retired from the VAMC in 1972 and worked as a self-employed painting contractor until 1995, when he retired. He was a member of Big Horn Mountain Lodge No. 43, Sheridan Scottish Rite Bodies, Kalif Shrine, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Sheridan Elks Lodge 520. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, the mountains, summers on the Kendrick Ranch, motorcycles and contributing to charities. He also enjoyed his cats and dogs and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, one son and one sister. Survivors include two sons, Chuck of Sheridan and Jim of Irmo, S.C.; four daughters, Linda Pruett of Sheridan, Patti Martini of Fort Collins, Colo., Debbi Martini of Laughlin, Nev., and Marjorie Hoffman of Reno, Nev.; a sister, Jean Zeiler of Billings; and six grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Sheridan Dog & Cat Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Longtime Sheridan resident Opal Marie Sterck, 92, of Belle Fourche, S.D., died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in the Belle Fourche Health Care Center. Viewing will be 2-7 p.m. today at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church with the Rev. Doug Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Sterck was born May 15, 1912, in Long Pine, Neb., to Laura Isabelle Bolish Allen and John Austin Allen. She married Melvin B. Galyen on Sept. 5, 1927, in Thedford, Neb. She lived in Alliance, Neb., in the late 1940s and early 1950s. She was a member of First Christian Church in Alliance. She married Alexander “Jake” Sterck on June 12, 1953, in Sheridan. She lived in Sheridan 52 years, until she moved into the health care center six months ago. Mr. Sterck died Dec. 16, 1979. Mrs. Sterck was a member of First Christian Church of Sheridan. She enjoyed crocheting doilies and tending her roses and garden. She canned vegetables and raspberry jellies, jams and butters. She played the piano and sang, and she played the violin for country barn dances. In addition to Mr. Sterck, she was preceded in death by two sons, a daughter and one great-grandson. Survivors include two daughters, Isabelle Roop of Sheridan and Rosalie Ackerman of Alliance; a son, Macky Galyen of Belle Fourche; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 102 S. Connor St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
April 9, 2005 Edition
Alfred F. Bettcher, 88, of Sheridan died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Viewing will be 6-9 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. John Orwig officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo. Mr. Bettcher was born Aug. 17, 1916, in Carter, S.D., to August and Christina (Kershman) Bettcher. He grew up south of Carter. As a teenager, he worked at the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. The family moved to Dallas in 1937. Mr. Bettcher married Frieda Hauf on Nov. 24, 1938, in Dallas. He farmed in Dallas and later worked on construction in western South Dakota. He bought his own truck to haul gravel and later drove trucks for construction until he retired. He enjoyed family get-togethers, camping and fishing. He was preceded in death by his wife; three sons, David, Larry and Donald; a daughter, Marlene Donoho; two sisters, Ida and Martha; and a brother, Allen. Survivors include three sons, Kenneth, Roger and Dennis, all of Sheridan; three brothers, Richard, Verlon and Leonard, all of Winner, S.D.; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Former Sheridan resident Opal M. Sterck, 92, died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Belle Fourche, S.D. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church in Sheridan with the Rev. Doug Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.
Henry James Meyers, 80, of Sheridan died Friday, April 8, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
April 8, 2005 Edition
BUFFALO — Don Snowden, 89, of Buffalo died Wednesday, April 6, 2005, in Amie Holt Care Center. Services will be later this summer in South Pass City. Arrangements are with Adams Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Friends of South Pass Endowment in care of the funeral home, 351 Adams in Buffalo.
Alfred F. Bettcher, 88, of Sheridan died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Kane Funeral Home with the Rev. John Orwig officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo.
Gilbert J. Vonknipper, 78, of Sheridan died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Sheridan VA Medical Center. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Anita Severance, 57, of Sheridan died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Billings Deaconess Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Former Sheridan resident Opal M. Sterck, 92, died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Belle Fourche, S.D. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
April 7, 2005 Edition
Alfred F. Bettcher, 88, of Sheridan died this morning, April 7, 2005, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
April 6, 2005 Edition
BUFFALO — Mildred E. `Billie' Francis, 75, of Buffalo died Tuesday, April 5, 2005, in Amie Holt Care Center. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Nancy Brooks officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services. Memorials may be made to the Buffalo Senior Center in care of the funeral home.
April 5, 2005 Edition
Larry Rodgers, 71, of Sheridan died Saturday, April 2, 2005, at his residence. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion and Wyoming National Guard. Mr. Rodgers was born Oct. 10, 1933, in Casper to James and Thelma (Kinnaman) Rodgers. He grew up and attended elementary school in Lance Creek and was a 1951 graduate of Manville High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Henrico as a hotcaseman on the ship's 5-inch gun. After the service, he lived for a time in Los Angeles before returning to Wyoming to work in the oil fields. He moved to Sheridan in 1961 and was employed by the railroad before going to work at the VA Medical Center. He married Janet Talcott in 1969. He retired in 1997 after 30 years with Sheridan VAMC. He enjoyed being outdoors, the mountains, fishing and woodworking. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim, and two grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; six daughters, Wynona Panchot of Douglas, Tammy Spicer of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Cathy Salo of Albuquerque, N.M., Carleen Chipps of Salem, W.Va., and Colleen Rodgers and Patricia Jaramillo, both of Sheridan; a brother, John of Arizona; a sister, Lorraine Quinn of Florida; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
April 4, 2005 Edition
Larry Rodgers, 71, of Sheridan died Saturday, April 2, 2005, at his residence. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. David Duprey officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Horns, 1401 W. Fifth St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Lesa `Neighbors' Raths-Whitaker, 49, died Thursday, March 31, 2005, at her residence of natural causes. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Kane Funeral Home with the Revs. David Duprey and Ray Clark officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Sheridan County Rodeo Queen Support Fund in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
April 2, 2005 Edition
Donald Koester, 70, Sheridan, died Wednesday, March 30, 2005, in Sheridan. A memorial service with full military honors will be 1 p.m. Monday at Kane Funeral Home with Chaplain David Hall officiating. Born Jan. 29, 1935, in Cheyenne to Fred and Muriel (Stephenson) Koester, Mr. Koester married Leslie Beery on June 29, 1958, in Cheyenne. Mr. Koester joined the Navy and fought 13 months in the Vietnam War. He retired as lieutenant commander after 23 years. He then worked as an engine man and building mechanic for GSA. He belonged to the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, National Rifle Association and Fleet Reserve Association. He enjoyed hunting, reading, travel and old tractors. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Richard and Steven Koester, both of Anchorage, Alaska; a daughter, Karelle Beyl of Wheatland; a brother, Merlin Koester of Fort Dodge, Iowa; a sister, Betty Mickelson of Duncombe, Iowa; and two grandchildren. Memorials may benefit the donor's choice in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Jean Ann Creel, 68, died Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at her home in Buffalo. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Adams Funeral Home in Buffalo, Pastor Tom Saur officiating, with burial in Willow Grove Cemetery.
April 1, 2005 Edition
Lesa Raths-Whitaker, 49, Sheridan died today, April 1, 2005. Arrangements are pending with Kane Funeral Home.
Donald Koester, 70, Sheridan, died Wednesday, March 30, 2005. A memorial service with full military honors will be 1 p.m. Monday at Kane Funeral Home, Chaplain David Hall officiating. Memorials may benefit donor's choice in care of Karen Green, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.