Kenneth Richard Cole: 1946 – 2023
Kenneth Richard Cole, 77, passed away peacefully June 06, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona.
Ken was the baby of the family, born May 21, 1946, in Maryville, Missouri to Wilbur (Bud) & Joyce Cole.
Before Ken started junior high the family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he graduated from Central High School in 1965. He moved to Casper, Wyoming where he received a degree in auto mechanics from Casper College and started working at Spaniol Ford.
He continued working there after it became Greiner Ford, he also sold cars at Shellabarger Chevrolet. Ken married his first wife Anne Swift January 21, 1970 and were married for 21 years. They welcomed Carolyn Joyce, April 15, 1972. They owned 2 businesses in Casper, 4X4 Explorer Distributing (truck/van outfitting) and eventually King Cole’s (car detailing).
Ken moved to Arizona in 1991 where he met his second wife Charlotte Nance. They married in 2000 and were married for 9 years. He gained a bonus son Todd and daughter-in-law Margie through this marriage and continued their relationship after Ken and Charlotte’s divorce.
During his life he built several cars/ trucks and was part of several car clubs during his life both in Wyoming and Arizona. He also enjoyed building houses, being ornery and planning future car builds, home renovations and trips. He was also very proud to have had two grandchildren named after him, Richard and Kenneth.
He is survived by his daughter Carolyn (Jim); son Todd (Margie); brother Jim (Elaine); 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, and his little buddy Teddy.
Preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Joyce Cole and his beloved sister Betty Lou Edwards.
Delroy Richard Corson: 1968 – 2023
Delroy Richard Corson, 54, of Evansville, Wyoming, passed away on May 18th 2023 peacefully at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood Colorado. After being saved from a house fire by his brother and a concerned citizen.
Delroy was born in Casper, Wyoming to Marion Corson and Frankie Rinker on October 3, 1968. He went to Wheatland High School and graduated in 1987 .He was a jack of all trades including some construction and carpentry. After moving to Casper he worked as a Plumber for American Plumbing. The 11 years he worked there, he and his boss made a long lasting friendship.
Then in 2008 an unfortunate hunting accident occurred causing him to be paralyzed but that did not stop him! He still enjoyed fishing and hunting in the mountains. He was always working on too many projects at once, this included fixing his numerous RC cars. When he would finally come inside he would be watching his favorite football team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Even with all these activities he always made sure his children were loved and cared for. He was an amazing and caring father of three children.
Delroy is survived by his children, Cody Corson, Savannah Winter, Brooklyn Corson. He is preceded in death by his mother, Frankie Rinker and father, Marion Corson.
George Osman Elrod: 1930 – 2023
George Osman Elrod, 93, passed away May 25, 2023 surrounded by his family after a brief illness. George was born on February 16, 1930 in Fairview Oklahoma to Neal Quinn and Blanche (Cobb) Elrod. He was one of five children.
Eager to serve his country, George enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp (USAAC) in 1947, which became the United States Air Force during his tour. He served for 3 years at the Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa during the Occupation. He was honorably discharged to F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne Wyoming, in June of 1950.
In 1951, George married Marjorie Schreiner in Cheyenne, Wyoming. George and Marge had two sons, Larry and George Jr. In coming years they also raised 3 nephews. They later divorced.
George began a long industrial career involving road construction, oil field transportation and fabrication, trucking and mechanical repair. He also sold Kings Highway motorhomes in the 1970’s. George happily went to work everyday and worked until he retired at the age of 81.
In 1979 he married Connie Lynn (Septer) Hembree. To the marriage came a step son, Don Hembree and a son, Aaron Elrod.
George was a fun-loving individual who’s hobbies and interests included boating, camping, dancing, cooking, Saturday morning cartoons and the sound of a paying slot machine.
George was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; one brother; one son (George Jr); and a special nephew, John J. Septer.
George is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years Connie; sons, Larry(Pam), Aaron (Cody Ann); step-son, Don Hembree; sister, Judy; grandchildren, Larry Jr(April), Matt(Shelly), Chad(Becky), Kyle(Ashley), Kelsey Hope, Cameron James; three step-grandchildren, Lieff, Saje and Reede, ten great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to one of George’s favorite charities, the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral services to be held at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Evansville WY on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. A celebration of life will also be held at 1993 N Lake Creek Rd in Casper WY on Friday, June 9 at 5:00 p.m.
Brandi L. Forgey: 1961 – 2023
Brandi Lee (Wollerman) Forgey, 61, of Casper finished her work here on earth on May 29, 2023. Brandi was born to Richard and Patricia Wollerman in Casper, Wyoming on October 21, 1961. The family lived in the Gas Hills and Riverton before eventually settling in Casper.
Brandi and her former husband, Rick Legerski, had two children, Shantel and Scotty. Later she met Keith while working at Wear Parts. After he spent awhile working up to it, he asked her out and they were married in 1989. They went on many adventures, took trips together with friends, and most of all spent many long days working together.
Brandi was an ardent supporter of youth, agriculture, and community. She was actively involved in the 4-H and FFA programs as her children were growing up and beyond. She was active in the school PTA and was always willing to help with activities that the kids wanted to be involved in. Brandi was also an active committee member for the College National Finals Rodeo. She helped find musicians for the event for many years, was involved with the Style Show, and was integral in the Special Olympics Rodeo event.
Brandi was active in the Natrona County Cow-Belles and was instrumental in starting the Royal Court Program, growing youth beef ambassadors in our community. She helped many young women grow in their public speaking abilities, community involvement, and knowledge of the industry.
Brandi, along with Keith, also mentored and poured into the lives of the next generation of the agriculture industry when they came and worked on the ranch. They conveyed their understanding of the value of hard work, the importance of caring for your livestock, and the values of the code of the west.
Dogs were an important part of Brandi’s life. She spent much time training and working with her border collies and sheep. She traveled around to many clinics and dog trails and was very successful with many of her dogs. She was also able to spend time with many great friends met along the way in her travels.
Ultimately her family and the animals were her passion. She loved instilling her work hard play hard mentality with her grandchildren. They would be out making sure first thing all the animals were fed and taken care of along with the rest of the chores that needed to be done. Then they could be found at the movies, or some other fun thing Brandi found to entertain them with.
She is survived by her daughter Shantel Anderson; son Scotty (Stacy) Legerski; sister Fritzi (Dean) Bicknese; brother, Brock Wollerman; father-in-law Rod Forgey (Marinel), grandchildren Bode, Tripp, Keith, Reagan, & Kinsley, nieces and nephews, friends, 6 dogs, and her livestock. Brandi was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father, mother-in-law and grandparents.
A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Forgey Land & Livestock, 4291 N 6 Mile Road. Cards can be sent to PO Box 2581 Mills, Wyoming 82644. In lieu of flowers a fund has been set up at Hilltop National Bank (Forgey Dog Park Fund) to continue the dream of building a dog park in town in her and Keith’s memory. Or please donate to a charity of your choice in her honor.
She lived by the Code of the West.
Donald Martin Gootee: 1939 – 2023
Donald Martin Gootee, 84, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Shepherd of the Valley Care Center surrounded by his family. He was born on April 4, 1939, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Oscar and Marie Gootee. He was the oldest of nine children. He attended school in Indianapolis and graduated from Pike High School in June of 1958.
Donald enlisted in the Air Force on May 11, 1959. During the Vietnam War, he completed two tours of duty in Thailand and 6 months in Guam. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in July of 1979, after serving for 20 years. His last duty station was Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, Nebraska.
After the Air Force, Donald worked at various X-Ray servicing companies in the Omaha area, before settling at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming, in 1987. During the 16 years there, Donald worked on various imaging equipment, retiring as Linear Accelerator Specialist in Radiation Oncology Department.
He met the love of his life, Phyllis Hembree, while home on leave from the Air Force. They were married in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 3, 1965. Together they had three beautiful daughters; Lynnet, Bear, and Melanie. They were happily married for 45 years until Phyllis’s death on August 5, 2010.
Donald is survived by his 3 daughters, Lynnet (Jeffrey) Leander of North Carolina, Bear (Mike) Brantley of Casper, and Melanie Gootee of Casper; grandchildren, Ellianna Wright, and Matthew Wright; great grandson, Gabriel Wright; his brothers, William “Joe” (Elizabeth) Gootee, Robert (Anita) Gootee, and Gregory Gootee; his sisters, Helen Gootee, and Marian Kryder; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Ann (Hembree) Gootee; parents, Oscar Gootee and Marie (Thomas) Gootee; and brothers, Frank Gootee, Paul Gootee, and Carl Gootee.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at Newcomer Casper Chapel. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery.
Donald’s services will be livestreamed. Click Here to view the service.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to the VFW or the Casper Humane Society in Donald’s name.
Scott Leslie Hesse: 1950 – 2023
Scott Leslie Hesse, 72, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on May 31, 2023. He died peacefully surrounded by his family after battling Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis for the past year. Scott was able to go on his own terms while holding his sons’ hands and hearing his granddaughters playing in the background, all while keeping good spirits until he passed.
Scott was born in Carson City, Nevada to Henry Hesse and Thelma Elston Hesse on November 27, 1950. He attended high school at Carson High and graduated in 1968. He went on to earn a Bachelors Degree of Science in Geology from the University of Nevada-Reno. Scott was a member of The Golden Legion, Phi Delta Theta for over 50 years. Scott spent his career working as an Exploration and Environmental Geologist. He was also a volunteer firefighter, scuba diver, mine rescue team member, and part of Lake Tahoe ski patrol.
Scott loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He thoroughly enjoyed elk and deer hunting and fishing in the west. One of his favorite memories was elk hunting with his sons in 2013 when they were both able to fill their bull tags in the same day. He even made the comment that even though he didn’t fill his tag that day, it was the best day of hunting in his life. Scott loved being ‘Papa’ to his granddaughters, Cora and Harper. He was delighted to have two little girls around after raising two sons.
Scott is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathryn Hesse of Casper, Wyoming; son Nathaniel Hesse of Casper, Wyoming; son Zachary Hesse (Brooke) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; granddaughter Coralee Johnson of Casper; and granddaughter Harper Hesse of Colorado Springs. Scott is also survived by many other family members.
Per Scott’s request, his ashes will be spread at his favorite fishing spot, Soda Lake, in western Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Joyce C. Karst: 1932 – 2023
Joyce Colleen Karst, 90, of Casper, Wyoming died peacefully Friday, June 3, 2023 at Meadow Wind Memory Care Center after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Joyce was born December 17, 1932 in Carnegie, Oklahoma and raised in Norman, Oklahoma where she graduated from high school. Shortly after high school, Joyce began the greatest role of her life by starting a family. That led her to Williston, North Dakota and later to Casper, Wyoming where she met her beloved husband, Herman, whom she was married to for 51 wonderful years until his passing in 2017.
Herman and Joyce started and built several successful businesses in the oilfield service industry. They were some of the most trusted and respected figures in the industry as well as their community. Joyce was a loving mother, wife, nana, and friend. Anyone who ever met her would tell you they were truly blessed to know her. She worked hard to be everything to everyone. She effortlessly brought calm into chaos and her greatest joy was her family. Herman and Joyce enjoyed square dancing together, their antique cars, auto racing, demolition derbies, and being huge supporters of their grandchildren and all of their events. Joyce will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and loving nature.
Joyce is survived by her children, Brenda (Gary) Garrett, Pam Clinger, Kris Patrick, Kevin (Deanna) Karst, Brian Karst, and David (Corie) Karst; grandchildren, Cody (Julietta) Patrick, Brandi (Nate) Waterhouse, Kendra (Trent) Mack, Kyle (Lori) Karst, Colter (Christal) Garrett, Zachary (Haylie) Garrett, Jessa Karst, and Rachel (Dan) DeVivo; great-grandchildren, Carter Hannah, Sidnee Hannah, Kuttar Edwards, Kreid Edwards, Easton Mack, Cohen Mack, Hunter Waterhouse, Kinsley Mack, Charleigh Garrett, Keller (Spade) Garrett, Karter Karst, Kolton Karst, Carper Garrett, and Chayce Garrett.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herman; her parents, James and Kathleen Dees; brothers, LaVerne Dees and Lyndal Hall.
The family will receive guests on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at the Newcomer Casper Chapel, 710 East Second Street, Casper, Wyoming from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers: Memorials may be made in Joyce’s memory to Natrona County Meals on Wheels, 1760 East 12th Street, Casper, WY 82601 or to the Alzheimer’s Association Wyoming Chapter, 2232 Dell Range Blvd., Suite 220, Cheyenne, WY 82009 or online at www.alz.org.
Patricia Louise “Pat” Logan: 1940 – 2023
Patricia Louise Logan, 82 of Casper, Wyoming passed away at Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions on May 28, 2023 after a long and fulfilling life.
Pat was born on July 11, 1940 to John and Blanche Beckius in David City, Nebraska. Following graduation from Saint Joseph’s High School in York, Nebraska in 1958, she went on to study at the University of Nebraska. In addition to her studies, she worked at the University Dental School where she met and fell in love with John Logan in 1962. The couple married in 1963 and went on to have three children, Eric, Christine, and Amy.
Her career included flying nationwide as a flight attendant for American Airlines based in Boston. In 1965 Pat moved with her husband to Casper, Wyoming where they built a burgeoning dental practice. She was an invaluable part of the business for 54 years by helping with strategy, accounting, financing, and modernizing operations with her computer skills and programming knowledge.
Pat was a strong wife and beloved mother who was always grateful for the wonderful life she and husband created for their family. She perpetually had a sunny and positive outlook on life and made friends wherever she went. This charismatic trait earned her the nickname of “Sally Social” among friends and family.
Although she would extend a helping hand and kind word to friends and strangers alike, she was a fierce competitor. Whether it was on the tennis court, golf course, or at the bridge table, her athletic prowess, quick wittedness, and mental focus most often meant that she prevailed as the winner, which she much preferred. Pat was practical, creative, and talented and taught herself how to become a master seamstress—making clothing for her children when they were young and later utilizing those skills to become an inspired artist as a quilter.
Pat loved to travel, and in her later years she and John explored extensively across the globe.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John; son Eric Logan and daughter-in-law Tracy Logan and their children Isabel and Olivia; her daughter Christine Logan and her granddaughter Cameron; her daughter Amy Lane and son-in-law Steve Lane and their children Ian and Morgan; her brother Jack Rohs, nieces and nephews John and Todd Rohs, Matt and Susan Beckius. Pat is preceded in death by her brother Don Beckius.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to any of the following organizations Pat was passionate about: Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions, the Nicolaysen Art Museum, and the Wyoming Symphony.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 24 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lola Ruth Anne Osseiran: 1977 – 2023
Lola Ruth Anne Osseiran, age 45, passed away unexpectedly May 29, 2023.
She was born to Alvira and James Wilson on November 14, 1977.
She is survived by her husband Fady Osseiran and children Brandon Wilson, and Britney Crimm both of Casper, Wyoming; her parents Alvira (Gator Summers); sister Nickcol (Leon Caldwell) of Vernal Utah; sister Keisha Wilson and step-mother Sharla Mundell of Roosevelt, Utah; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her father JD Wilson; her grandmother Ruth Ann Rohr and grandmother Leola Saye.
There will be no services at this time.
Ronald Potter: 1940 – 2023
Ronald Charles Potter, born October 22, 1940 in Denver, Colorado, and passed on June 2, 2023 in Casper, Wyoming. Ron moved to Fort Collins, Colorado at the age of 10, and graduated from FCHS in 1959, where he met his lifelong companion for adventure, Pat. They were married on July 9, 1959 and would have celebrated their 64th anniversary this year. Ron was a family man who committed his life to teaching his children, Rick, Roxanne and Robin, the value of independence, trying new things, courage, and adventure, much of which was learned during his time as an Eagle Scout. This also inspired his love for fishing, hunting, canoeing, golf, and enjoying outdoor activities.
He was a jack of all trades, first working with his father-in-law at Starbrite Signs, building highway billboard signs, and then dabbling in businesses related to motorcycles, hotrods, cameras, airplanes and RC cars. He was also an accomplished backhoe operator for the City of Fort Collins. From there, he managed a motorcycle shop, and used his creative skills to build them from top to bottom.
Ron was a very talented artist, mostly with pencil. This skill provided a new opportunity at Fort Collins Monuments where he learned the art of monument engraving. In 1981, after Pat sold her answering service, they started a new venture called Colorado Monuments which thrived. Ron’s skills were sought throughout the region, which brought another opportunity for them to move to Casper, Wyoming where they acquired Casper Monument Company. After his hands could no longer handle the demands of the trade, they turned the business over to their son Rick, and began a new chapter by starting Starbrite Restoration focused on building and restoring hot rods.
Ron enjoyed time with family, his beloved dog Penny, car club events with OCAC and WSRA car clubs, motorcycle races and trials riding, adventuring across the country with the 40+ motorcycle club, and 45 consecutive trips to Sturgis, with his last being the 75th anniversary event. He was a nationally known radio control air, boat, and car enthusiast, and taught the skills to his son and son-in-law.
His love for the Lord was evident, and he always carried a medallion in his pocket with footprints in the sand. He took every opportunity to help those less fortunate.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Estherbelle Potter and Lester Charles Potter; sisters Carol and Carolie; and granddaughter, Mariah Nash.
He is survived by wife, Patricia Kay Starr Potter; children, Ronald “Rick” Erick Potter (Larina) of Casper, Wyoming, daughter, Roxanne Michele Huggins (Mitch), of Sargent Nebraska, and daughter, Robin Renae Nash (Rich), of Fort Collins, Colorado; as well as 7 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
Service is Casper First Church of the Nazarene, Saturday, June 10th at 4:00 p.m. with a reception following. Interment will be Monday, June 12th at 1:00 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery, 1900 Mountain Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Casper First Church of the Nazarene Manna Closet.
Check can be mailed to Church of the Nazarene, 2020 S. Jefferson St. Casper, WY 82601 (state Manna Closet in the memo) or online at https://pushpay.com/g/caspernazarene.
