Harlan Elmer Boltz Jr., 68, of Casper, WY, passed away on March 12th in Casper, WY.
Our Dad: Wow, where do we start? Unfortunately, this obituary is not long enough to explain to all about what he meant to the people he touched through the years of his short life. Summed up from some of his favorite shows and author quotes. He was always the comedian in the room.
“I’m positive about the negative, but a little negative about the positive.” ~ Curly Howard, Three Stooges.
“François: Do you know what kind of a bomb it was? Clouseau: Yes, the exploding kind.” ~ Peter Sellers, Pink Panther.
“Is there anybody hiding there in the dark?” ~ Peter Sellers, Pink Panther.
“Nice to meet you hungry, I’m dad (Grandpa)” ~ Harlan Boltz
“I know that there is no such thing as death, because our spirit has always been alive and always will be. We are as eternal as God who created us.” ~ Sylvia Browne, Author.
Our Dad taught us all to be better versions of ourselves, and taught us that we must make it happen, don’t wait for it to happen. He would give his shirt off his back to help anyone in need; this was who he was.
Our Dad’s wishes were not to have any formal funeral services. He did not want people to mourn his death. However, we will be having a celebration of life, a BBQ. At Firehouse Pizza Wood Fired in Casper WY on Sunday March 31st at 5:00PM RSVP 307.439.2220.
Harlan was born in Casper, WY to Harlan Boltz Sr. & Betty K. Boltz on July 16th, 1950. He went to high school at Natrona County High School and graduated in 1968. He went on to attend Casper College. He was in the air national guard where he was a marksman shooter and could shoot with the best of them. He worked as an EMT and worked for the Teton County sheriff’s office as a deputy. He also worked for Schlumberger in oil and gas in the 80’s. He then went on to work in one of his passions selling for Sysco food service and later for Knapp supply and equipment. This was perfect fit for our dad since it was easy for him to build relationships with people which made him be very successful at selling products. He later worked for High Mountain Inspection as an x-ray technician for pipeline inspection which allowed him to retire early before his illness. He was always involved in the kids local sporting events and loved all sports including Denver Broncos, Wyoming Cowboys and Colorado Rockies. He was an avid fisherman and loved fishing with the kids and his dad and grandpa. His big passion in life was his family. Having BBQ’s and getting everyone together. Even when he was unable to eat later, he still wanted the best food at every event, including baby back ribs, prime rib roasts, ham, pulled pork, ribeye steaks etc.
Harlan is preceded in death by his, (Father) Harlan Boltz Sr, (Mother) Betty K Boltz, (Grandson) Joseph M Geelan, His Grandparents, Cousins, Friends and other loved ones.
Harlan is survived by his ex-wife Vicki Herron of Casper, His Children, Sons Justin (Nicole) Boltz of Casper, David Schachterle, of Austin, TX, Daughters Annette (Michael) Geelan and Elizabeth Hodgins of Casper; Grandsons Alex and Carter; Granddaughters Maegen, Jadelynn, and Addy; Sisters Candy Boltz of Casper, Leslie (Brent) Yeigh of Casper; Nephews Aaron (Lori) Yeigh of Casper; and Andee Yeigh of Casper.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Cancer Research Institute. Condolences may be left by selecting the “Share Memories” button above.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospice, all the great nurses who cared for him, you know who you are.
“Even The Darkest Night Will End & The Sun Will Rise. Welcome Home”
***
Merry Louise Watson
Merry Louise Watson went to be with her Savior on March 13, 2019. She was born on Oct. 15, 1925 to Cecil B. and Carrie D. Vance in Hagie, Wyoming. She was the third child born to them. She had five sisters and five brothers.
Merry was raised on a dry land farm. She graduated from Hawk Springs High School in 1943 and moved to Torrington, Wyoming where she went to work at Castle Bakery and later at J. C. Penny’s. On December 19, 1944 she married Charles Watson. And upon starting a family she quit working and stayed at home to raise her family. She had one son and three daughters. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her family, knitting, and crocheting.
She and Charles built their first home. In 1952 they moved to Glendive, MT and lived there for three months. They then moved back to Torrington, WY and lived there until October 1958 when they moved to Casper, WY. In Casper, she continued to stay at home and raise her family until August of 1969 when Charles passed away. She started taking college class in September 1967 when Charles became ill. She graduated from Casper College in 1972 with an Associate Degree in Business Administration. She went to work for the General Services Administration and then for the U.S. Geological Survey Oil and Gas. She retired in 1987 when they closed the office in Casper.
Merry was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was active in teaching Sunday School classes and working in the AWANA program. She enjoyed working with children. She also enjoyed being with family. She enjoyed taking trips with her daughters and her mother visiting families and friends from Washington to Pennsylvania.
Merry is survived by her daughters Paula and Karen of Casper, Wyoming, grandchildren Margaret Kerns, John Watson, Robert Jo Watson, and Charles Prior. She is also survived by three great granddaughters, six great grandsons, three great-great grandsons, and one great-great granddaughter. She is also survived by her sisters Betty Kelley, Josephine Fuss, and Corrinne Marienthal, and brothers Cecil Vance, Allan Vance, Dwight Vance, William Vance, and Victor Vance.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles, her son Robert Watson, daughter Linda Prior, sisters Opal Kemper and Leona Dickinson.
Memorial services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on March 23, 2019 at 11:00 A. M. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her honor to Calvary Baptist Church Ministries.
