Gerry N. Bolger: 1954 – 2023
Gerry Neal Bolger passed away on Tuesday, September 19, in Casper, Wyoming, following a long battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 70. He is survived by his spouse of 50 years, Debra; his three children: Trever Bolger, and Toni Smith, both of Casper, Wyoming, and Trent Bolger and his daughter-in-law Katrina Bolger of Helena, Montana; and his three grandchildren: Isaac, Eleanor (Nora), and Alora. He is also survived by his twin sister Connie Harvell and his older sister Mindy Carter, both of Casper; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Donna Bolger; his father, Harrold Bolger; his sister, Tracy Hunt; and his nephew, Joshua Harvell – all of Casper, Wyoming.
Gerry was blessed with a warrior’s spirit. He served honorably as a Vietnam-era veteran as a Sergeant of the 1st Armored Division in the U.S. Army, which took him and his then-young family to Bamberg, Germany. Throughout his life, he loved any form of competition or sport. He was an avid baseball and soccer coach to his children, played lunchtime pick-up basketball games with other middle-aged men, and was an avid golfer following to many injuries to continue to play at the level of aggressive basketball he wanted to play. He cheered on his beloved University of Wyoming Pokes, Denver Broncos, and Utah Jazz.
He and his wife coached and supported all three of his children, each into a first-generation college degree. He loved the music of the 60s and 70s, even if he had no clue what the words were and made up his own. Later in life, he became involved with many charities to feed hungry kids and helped start a backpack food program.
Carolyn Rheta Carlson: 1942 – 2023
Carolyn Carlson (Carolyn Rheta Hinton) passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023, in Casper, Wyoming. She was born on September 8, 1942, in Phoenix, Arizona to Douglas and Rheta (Alix) Hinton.
Living in California in 1960, Carolyn met and married a Wyoming boy, Capp Carlson. Capp and Carolyn were married for over 63 years, and they have three sons, Craig, Chris, and Charles. They also have four grandchildren (Jayson, Zackary, Alli, and Kaylee) and four great grandchildren (Daxtyn, Emery, Evelyne, and Ledger.)
Early on Capp and Carolyn moved back to Wyoming with their three sons and operated a family ranching business. In later years, Carolyn joined her husband (Capp) in their real estate business.
About the turn of the century, Carolyn retired. She always enjoyed family, working with her dogs, and antiquing and decorating their home with antiques in the country style. She loved being outside, flower gardens, and early summer mountain flowers. She also loved being a homemaker for her family.
Carolyn and her husband Capp were mostly self-employed, working together and in doing so, they always enjoyed each other’s company.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Jacob William Crowder: 1980 – 2023
Jacob William Crowder, 43, passed away peacefully and on his own terms on September 22, 2023, in Casper, Wyoming with his Casper siblings by his side, following a battle with addiction to alcohol. Born to Kary Jo Webb on June 16, 1980, in Laramie, Wyoming, they soon relocated to Casper to begin their new lives. Their family began to grow, with his sister Morgan in 1985 and brother Kade “Goose” in 1990. Jake loved being an older brother, and happily took on the responsibility of an older brother and protector at such a young age. He would soon meet another “brother,” Shane Rivett, and the two grew up creating memories that would be cherished until his final moments, and beyond.
Jake prospered early, with success in education and extracurricular activities. He was an active participant in opening and maintaining the first ever school store at Natrona County High School. He was active in scouting with his father figure Kent Ames and Grandfather Keith Ames, becoming one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in the State of Wyoming at the age of 15. He graduated from NCHS in 1998, top ten in his class.
Jake spent a few years in higher education at Casper College and Salt Lake Community College before coming back home to Casper to begin his career. In 2001, he began his career as an entry level Environmental Technician for Western Environmental Services and Testing (WEST), where he would spend the next 20 years, reaching the rank of Chief Operations Officer in 2018. His time at WEST took him across the country, as well as the world. He led projects throughout the United States, Canada, and into the African countries of Chad, Lithuania, and Cameroon. In 2016, Jake expanded WEST, opening a second location in Kansas City, Missouri where he would move with his wife.
In 2009 Jake met the love of his life, Lacy Adams. Jake was enamored by her, and she quickly became his best friend, soulmate, his beloved “Sweets.” Their love for one another was as bright as a midsummer day, shining throughout for all their friends and family to see. On May 23, 2012, the two would become husband and wife, surrounded by loved ones in the Florida Keys, their favorite place. Their unconditional love for one another remained throughout and Lacy’s love for Jake will last her lifetime.
Jake lived an active and exciting life. He had many hobbies, including sky diving, paintball, golf, and four wheeling. His true love was for the water, where he enjoyed wakeboarding, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing. He was a true otter, living his life by the motto, “Work Hard, Play Hard.”
For those who knew Jake, knew his true passion was the children in his life. He loved being an uncle and was as proud of his “baby girl”,Tesslin and “Joey Bear” as any parent would be. His friends’ children were also his nieces and nephews, and he routinely would spoil them. A young cousin of his described it perfectly, “I thought he hung the moon.”
Jake is survived by the love of his life, wife Lacy of Missouri; mother Kary Pickett (Mike) of Casper; siblings: Morgan Collums and Kade Ames (Valerie) of Casper, Ken Crowder (Rachel) and Joy Crowder of North Carolina; grandmother Harriet Ames of Casper; uncles Curt Webb (June), MJ Webb (Sheri) of Texas, Steve Amen (Kay) of Texas; aunts Jan Amen of Texas, Susan Prentiss (Chuck) of Arizona, Laura Grossman and Gayle Andress (Greg) of Casper; niece Tesslin Tucker of Casper; nephews Joey Coffelt of Casper, Paxton Crowder of North Carolina; and many other cousins and “adopted” nieces and nephews. Survivors also include his extended “brothers,” Shane Rivett (Mikla) of Casper, and Jon Dannels (Cindy) of Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his favorite man and mentor, grandfather Bill Webb; along with his grandmother Lin Webb; grandfather Keith Ames; grandfather Kenneth Crowder; grandmother Edna Melin; father Scott Crowder; “brother” Shawn Rivett; and his beloved fur babies Baxter and Eli.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the 12-24 Club of Casper or Wyoming Recovery.
A service celebrating Jake’s life will take place on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Wyoming Rib and Chop in Casper, Wyoming. Please follow the stairs up upon entrance.
Vira Varinda “Vi” Haller: 1927 – 2023
Vira Varinda “Vi” Haller died September 22, 2023 at the age of 95 at the family home in Casper, Wyoming.
Vi was born November 11, 1927 in Iola, Illinois, the youngest child of Jesse T. and Hazel A. (Mason) Freeman. In the spring of 1931 she moved with her parents to a farm northwest of Keeline, Wyoming. She graduated from Manville, Wyoming High School in 1945. In the fall of 1945 she became a clerk at the Conoco Gas Plant in Lance Creek, Wyoming. In January, 1947 she moved to Casper where she was employed by Montgomery Ward & Co., Rohlff Lumber Co. and Marathon Oil Co. until 1960. In 1975 she returned to the office as a bookkeeper for Vista West Water Company and retired in 1985.
On August 25, 1951 she married Alva L. Haller in Douglas, Wyoming. She is survived by her son, William Hart Haller; five grandchildren: Audrey Louise Haller, Charlotte Ann Clute, Amanda Rose Johnson, Samuel James Haller and Jonathan Wesley Haller; five great grandchildren: Lily Annrose Snay, Benjamin Lane Snay, Harvey Dean Johnson, Freyja Anne Clute, and Ellie Rose Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1994; sisters: Helen Perlenfein and Lucille Emery; six brothers––Charles, Ralph, Vaughn, Arthur, Warren, and Lee Freeman; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Blue Envelope Health Fund, in Vi’s name. Or, if you prefer, take a friend to lunch.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 6, 2023 at Wyoming Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Casper.
Carol Sue Harris: 1941 – 2023
Carol Sue Harris, 82, of Casper, Wyoming passed away peacefully with her husband of 46 years by her side at Wyoming Hospice on September 23, 2023.
She was born to the late Russell and Jeanette Corbin on February 13, 1941 in Casper. She graduated from Natrona County High School, and was employed and retired from Northern Utilities. She married the love of her life and constant companion, Tom Harris, on September 3, 1977.
Although a lifelong resident of Casper, she spent 12 winters in Parker, Arizona where she made many friends and loved the wildlife, especially the road runners. She loved to travel and never met a stranger. She was a member of the Red Hatters Society, Mrs. Claus at the Elks Christmas parties, in the Eagles Auxiliary, A Meals on Wheels volunteer for 25 years, a wonderful “mom” to many pets – especially Murray, A loving mother, grandmother, and devoted wife.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents and grandmother, Pluma Anderson. She is survived by her husband Tom Harris; two sons, Darren Marker (Elessa) of Prescott, Arizona & Jay Marker of Chandler, Arizona; three step children, Mick Harris (Dee) of Tiffin, Iowa, Pam LeGawiec (Dennis) & Belinda Sliter (Mike) of Louisville, Kentucky; brother Rob Corbin (Cathy) of Casper; and brother in law Steve Harris (Maureen) of Longview, Washington. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special friends AD Hines, and Wes & Joanna Stull.
Carol will be cremated; there will be no service by request. A private ceremony for the family to inter her ashes will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to thank Bear Country Healthcare, Scott Gardner of Wyoming Senior Citizens, and the hospice staff. In addition, thanks to the staff at Perkins, and her friends who kindly dealt with her decline.
Clinton Dale “Clint” Spargur: 1958 – 2023
Clinton Dale Spargur, 64, of Casper, Wyoming passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Clint was born in Casper, Wyoming on October 28, 1958 to Caryl and Caroline Spargur. He attended Natrona County High School. He worked for the City of Casper for 28 years and had recently retired. Clint met his wife, Barbara, and dated for eight years before marrying on June 9, 2000.
Clint loved to elk hunt, bowl, golf, fabricate, hike in the Big Horns and walk in the woods. Clint also enjoyed watching westerns, listening to music, and most importantly being with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Linda Sullivan.
Clint is survived by his wife, Barbara; son Patrick (Tracie) Calkin; daughters, Cassaundra Spargur; Elizabeth (John) Zitterkopf; grandchildren, Brooklynn Calkin (Colton Dutton); Londynn (Devin) Przybylowicz; and Taten Zitterkopf; great grandchildren, Corbyn Dutton and Haizel Przybylowicz; and sister, Cindy (Tom) Blevins.
