CASPER, Wyo. –
Donald Olson: November 9, 1934 ~ January 14, 2021 (age 86)
Donald E. Olson, 86, passed away on January 14, 2021, at Granite Rehabilitation and Wellness in Cheyenne.
Don was born in Jamestown, North Dakota to Oscar and Josephine Olson on November 9, 1934. He grew up in Billings, Montana. On September 22, 1956 he married Shirley Kyriss in Billings.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957. Soon after his honorable discharge, he and Shirley moved to Powell, WY where he was employed with J & L Oilfield Supply. Through his employment with J & L Oilfield Supply he and his family moved to Melstone, MT, Rangely, CO and Thermopolis, WY. In 1972, he went to work for Dresser Industries. The family moved to Casper in 1979 where he continued to work for Dresser Industries until retiring in 1998. Don and Shirley moved to Cheyenne in 2017.
Don was a highly active member of Mount Hope Lutheran Church and dedicated countless hours to the maintenance and upkeep of the church. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards (always ready for a game of Shanghai). Don’s devotion to his faith, family and friends in his life was remarkable. He was always there for anyone in need and with his good heart and kind touch, made a tremendous difference to many. With his ever-present smile and caring approach, Don made us all feel appreciated and loved.
Don is survived by his wife Shirley, of 64 years; son, Doug (Cheryl) Olson of Milliken, CO; daughters, LeAnn Morgan and Linda (John) Walsh of Casper, WY; son, Rod Olson of Cheyenne, WY and son-in-law, Dan (Corinne) Finley of Billings, MT; sister, Esther Knaub of Billings, MT; brother-in-law, George (Bonnie) Kyriss of Billings, MT; sister-in-law, Edna Olson of Little Falls, MN; twelve grandchildren,19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sheryl “Sheri” Finley; six sisters and three brothers.
A family graveside service will be held at Memorial Gardens, followed by a memorial service at Mount Hope Lutheran Church. Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home will be handling arrangements.
Don’s family would like to convey their deepest appreciation to the staff at Granite Rehabilitation and Wellness for the compassionate care they provided to him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mount Hope Lutheran Church or Alzheimer’s Association-Wyoming Chapter.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home, 600 CY Ave. Casper, WY 82601.
Opal McInroy: 1933 – 2021
Opal McInroy, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 15, 2021 after suffering a massive stroke the week prior.
Opal was born at home in 1933 outside of Lander, WY, the oldest of six children, to Forrest and Anna Margaretta Sprout. She loved the rural lifestyle she was born into, which included riding horses to school, but did not include running water or electricity until she was well into her teens.
Opal had a sharp mind, loved education and prided herself on being a life-long learner and getting a degree in education from the University of Wyoming. She taught in Wyoming one-room ranch schools, Powell, and Cody and continued teaching in various ways throughout life. One weekend when she was teaching, she went out dancing in Hudson, WY. It was then she met her husband of 57 years, Stan.
After marrying, she shifted into substitute teaching and raising their three children. She grew tremendous gardens everywhere she went. 4-H was an important part of Opal’s life as a youth and continued to be a passion as parent and 4-H leader.
Opal was a history buff and a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher, president of the United Methodist Women, thrift store volunteer and “cookie lady.”
She was a natural storyteller who laughed a lot and made friends easily, even when standing in a line. During her 80s, Opal started swimming regularly at the local YMCA. She also had a brief bit of internet fame with her video series “Low Tech Talk.”?
After Stan died, she managed to live alone despite severe macular degeneration, thanks in part to CATC and friends who took her around town.
Opal was the beloved mother of Brenda (Tim), John (Nancy) and Patricia (Jen) as well as proud grandmother of Talitha, Ann, Nar and Liam. She is also survived by her younger siblings Fay, Shirley, Charles and Rosemary.
Predeceased by her parents, husband Stan and sister Ann.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to UMCOR https://advance.umcor.org/ Wyoming Public Radio https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/.
To send a card of condolence to the family, please direct the card to Newcomer Casper Chape, C/O Opal McInroy Family, 710 East Second, Casper, WY 82601
Dr. Harlen D. Myers: August 15, 1938 ~ January 13, 2021 (age 82)
Dr. Harlen D. Myers, fondly known as “Doc”, age 82, passed away January 13, 2021. He was born on August 15, 1938 in Los Angeles, California, a fact that he didn’t share willingly or often. He spent his formative years in North Dakota, returning to California for High School and college. Harlen played football at University of Southern California while he earned his undergraduate degree in 1961. Harlen attended University of California, Irvine California College of Medicine, earning his MD in 1965. His residency was in Fresno California where he met his lifelong friend, Dr. Fritz Cubin.
After his residency, he served two years in the United States Army in New Mexico. After his Honorable Discharge in 1970, Harlen furthered his medical education in Colorado, completing a fellowship in pediatric hematology. In 1971, Halen moved to Casper and began his pediatric practice which was his life’s work.
Harlen spent the majority of his medical career in Casper, caring for more children than you could possibly imagine. If you grew up in Casper in the 70’s up through 2011, the chances are good that you had at least one visit to Dr. Myers office. He had many accolades and awards, but the countless lives impacted and saved through his practice were more valuable to Doc than any award.
In addition to his countless hours in the clinic, he also served on the board for the University of Colorado and was on staff for Colorado Children’s Hospital up until his retirement in 2011. His career was long and ground-breaking as he was the seventh Pediatrician in the state, and the very first hematologist.
Harlen was more than just a Doctor. He was a father, a husband and a friend. When the stethoscope was put away, and the cowboy boots were on, Doc was all cowboy. His love of the land and horses was passed on to his son, Harley. He was a man with many sides, proud yet humble, generous yet demanding. He had high expectations for those he loved and an open heart for his patients.
Harlen took pride in his involvement in Wyoming politics in his younger days and was a strong supporter of our state representatives throughout his life.
After his retirement, Harlen enjoyed a quiet life with his wife, Kim, in Casper. He enjoyed visits from his many friends, colleagues and his grandchildren.
Harlen is survived by his wife, Kimberly; and her children, Tiffine (Dale) Canepa, Dennis (Amy) Crawford, Gordon (Britta) Crawford; his daughter, Jennifer Myers from his second wife, Paula; his children, Michael and Jamie, from his first wife, Susan; his sister, Verla (Duane) Berg, brother, Dean (Valerie) Myers; multiple nieces; and nephews; 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his son, Harley; wife, Paula; parents, Mearl & Norma Myers; and brothers, Les and Darrell Myers.
Public viewing and visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Bustards and Jacoby Funeral Home.
A private memorial service will be held for family members.
Harlen’s family would like to extend an invitation to Harlen’s Celebration of Life to be held on July 1, 2021 at the Casper Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Colorado Children’s Hospital (childrenscoloradofoundation.org) in his memory.
Donald Wassenberg: May 11, 1927 ~ January 15, 2021 (age 93)
Buzz Wassenberg
Donald (Buzz) Wassenberg, 93, passed away peacefully in his home in Casper on January 15, 2021.
He was born on May 11, 1927 to Martin and Belle Wassenberg the last of seven children. He lived in Calpet until 1941 when he moved to Big Piney to support himself and attend school. A year later he began to work at the Mickelson ranch. He graduated Big Piney High School in 1941 and the University of Wyoming in 1950 with a degree in Animal Husbandry and Ag Economics. That year he joined the Air Force for the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa and Texas.
On December 23, 1954 he married June Kothe and they lived in the “honey moon cottage” at the Mickelson ranch. He graduated from the School of Banking at University of Colorado and returned to work at the State Bank of Big Piney. They had a daughter Belle and sons Jon and Buzzy.
He was a member of the Masons of Big Piney Lodge, and served as Potentate of the Korein Temple Shrine in 1986. He has served as a County Commissioner, Volunteer Fire Department, Big Piney School Board, Senior Citizen and Retirement Center Boards. He served many leadership roles in the Community Congregational Church.
He moved with June to Casper in 2008 to be closer to family and medical services. He enjoyed watching bull riding, basketball, battle bots and many sports on TV. He spent much of his time working on his computer.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Floyd, Morris and Sonny and his sisters Pinky and Thelma. His wife June and sons Jon and Buzzy.
He is survived by his daughter Belle and son in law Don Stapleton. His grandson Solomon and his wife Andrea Stapleton and great grandsons Ernest and Jude Stapleton. Niece Sue Thompson and nephews Denny and Floyd Rogers.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 1:00pm, at Plainview Cemetery in Big Piney, Wyoming.
