Ronald Duane Cudmore: 1951 – 2023
Ronald Duane Cudmore, age 72 of Casper, Wyoming, peacefully passed away on August 16, 2023, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Born on March 27, 1951, in Mitchell, South Dakota, Ron was the second son of Russell Cudmore and Jean Nightingale. He grew up in White Lake, South Dakota, where he spent his formative years, graduating from White Lake High School in 1969. Ron’s life was a testament to his unwavering spirit, his devotion to family, and his passion for living.
At the remarkable age of 14, Ron embarked on his working journey, residing in Plankinton, South Dakota, for a brief period. He spent his high school summers working at a truck stop, earning $1.25 per hour while commuting to Kimball, South Dakota. Ron’s adventurous spirit led him to California, where he honed his culinary skills as a chef. However, after facing incidents involving stolen cars and robberies in California, he moved to Brush, Colorado to help his sister during challenging times.
In Colorado, Ron started his career in the Oil and Gas industry. He later followed his father to Gillette, Wyoming, where he resided until 1998. Throughout his career, Ron dedicated his efforts to Exeter Drilling, eventually transitioning to Nabors Drilling, among other drilling companies. He worked his way through various roles on drilling rigs, showcasing his dedication and skills.
In 1977, Ron’s world changed with the arrival of his only daughter, Heidi. His unwavering devotion to Heidi led him to remain single, focusing on providing for her. In 1998, Ron moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he established his home for the remainder of his life.
Motorcycles held a special place in Ron’s heart, and his passion for them persisted throughout his life. He even shared his love for motorcycles with his daughter, zipping her into his leather jacket when she was just a baby and taking her for rides around town. Ron also cherished his role as a grandpa, welcoming his first grandson, Tyler, in 1995, followed by granddaughter Haylie in 1999, and two bonus grandsons, Jacob and Trent, in 2010. He formed close bonds not only with his grandchildren but also with their friends, earning him the title of a second grandpa to many.
Ron’s retirement in 2012 was embraced by various home projects that showcased his resourcefulness and skill in repair and renovation. His love for watching stocks, fishing, gardening, shopping, garage sales, tinkering in his garage, and keeping busy with projects defined his days.
Despite receiving a lung cancer diagnosis in late February 2023, followed by a challenging 52-day illness, Ron maintained his resilience until his passing, leaving doctors puzzled. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell; mother, Jean; brothers, Jerry, Jim, and Rod.
Ron, a true family man is survived by his daughter, Heidi (Craig); grandchildren Tyler (Johanna), Jacob (Cassy), Haylie (Jaymon), and Trent; great-grandchildren Neil, Jay, Jaycee, and Colson Duane, who was named after Ron in June 2023; sister Darlene (Robert); brother Russell Jr (Lori); stepmother Alvina; nieces Jodi, Nadine, Brenda, Natalie, Amy, Sondrae, Ashley; and a nephew, Neil; as well as numerous cousins and friends.
Ron’s compassion and selflessness extended beyond his family, making a positive impact on the lives of many. His dedication to making the world a better place inspired all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, ability to fix anything out of nothing, his striking blue eyes, and his signature “Irish Goodbyes.”
He leaves a void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him, but his spirit will live on in the memories and stories that continue to bring smiles and comfort.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home, 600 CY Ave, Casper, Wyoming. Burial and committal will take place at Highland Cemetery, 1860 E 12th, Casper, Wyoming. A reception will follow at The Gaslight Social, 314 W Midwest Ave, Casper, Wyoming.
Ron’s family expresses their deepest gratitude for the love and support shown during this difficult time. His memory will forever be cherished, and his impact felt by all whose lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.
Brian R. Gates: 1957 – 2023
Brian R. Gates, 66, of Casper, Wyoming passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper.
On August 17, 2023 surrounded by his family at Banner Health hospital in Casper, Wyoming, Brian Robert Gates departed this world to walk with his heavenly Father after struggling with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 66.
Brian was born to the late Bob and Doris Gates at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California on January 16, 1957. Early in life he moved from Riverside to Fallbrook where he spent most of his childhood. He later moved to Carlsbad, California where he attended Carlsbad High School and took a few courses at Mira Costa and Palomar College.
While living in Oceanside, California and working as a grocery clerk at Ralph’s Grocery Store, Brian met his future wife, Sarah Norcross. He often joked that he “checked her out.” Brian and Sarah dated for a year and a half before their marriage on August 27, 1988. They were blessed with a daughter, Kaitlyn Allessandra, on January 20, 1990; and again, by a son, Adam Keith, on May 31, 1994. In 2000, the family moved to Casper, Wyoming, hometown of wife, Sarah.
From 2000 – 2018, Brian worked for Flying J truck stop. He most recently worked for Dooley Oil/ Shell gas station from 2020 until his passing. He loved his Dooley Oil work family and made friends with many customers. Brian found joy in playing harmless pranks on coworkers, friends, and family members. A playful and loving spirit, Brian got along with everybody – he never met a stranger. He was always one to share in cheesy humor, bad jokes, and puns. He enjoyed being silly and playing with his children when they were young. Brian was always a good sport when his daughter, Kaitlyn, let him win the “Pretty Pretty Princess” game. He taught his son, Adam, the finer points of barbecue grilling at a young age. Brian doted on his dogs, Tank, Rue, and Tessa and delighted in feeding and caring for them.
Brian’s pride for his Swedish heritage showed in his interests in cars and music. An avid auto afficionado, Brian loved classic cars, especially Swedish imports. He also could identify obscure European automobiles; and he knew the year, make, model, and trivia about most vehicles. He often reminisced about his first car; a powder blue 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. He enjoyed music from his childhood: 50’s malt shop music, the Beach Boys and other surf music, and more. He was a fanatic in his love for Swedish rock band, ABBA, and was very proud of his twelve-disc Gold Compilation of their music.
A fool for gag gifts, Brian loved crazy Halloween costumes; the more outlandish the better. He also had a wide and varied interest in movies, including campy comedies such as Mars Attacks! and Earth Girls are Easy. He also loved Rocky Horror Picture Show and Mamma Mia! He was also a collector of Felix the Cat memorabilia. Some of Brian’s favorite activities were gardening, going for drives or to garage sales, and looking at Christmas lights with his wife and children. Brian loved Jesus and worshipping with his brothers and sisters in Christ at Shekinah Glory church where he was baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Doris; his brother, Mike; his father, Bob; and in-laws, Dan and Pat Norcross.
He is survived by his widow, Sarah Norcross-Gates; daughter, Kaitlyn Olsen (née Gates); son, Adam; and daughters, Andrea and Kimberly from a previous marriage. He is also survived by countless other nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends whose lives have been touched by him.
A celebration of Brian’s life for family and friends will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Mike Sedar Park in Casper, Wyoming.
A private burial for immediate family will be take place in Esterbrook, Wyoming on September 2, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Casper Humane Society are greatly appreciated.
Brian’s family would like to give special thanks and acknowledgment to Newcomer Funeral Home for their invaluable guidance and utmost care through the process of saying goodbye.
Jason Lucas Gormly: 1991 – 2023
Jason Lucas Gormly went to be a keeper of the stars on August 3, 2023, at the age of 31 in Casper, Wyoming. Jason was born August 9, 1991, to James Patrick Gormly and Janice Evangeline Gormly (Roybal) in Gillette Wyoming. Services for Jason will be held on September 2, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. at the Moose Lodge located at 2704 Hackathorn Ln, Gillette Wyoming 82716. With a meal to follow.
Jason started his adventures at an early age. First was a blue ford truck, a blue ford tractor, skies, sleds and fishing poles with his Daddy. He also enjoyed cooking and dancing in the kitchen with mom. He enjoyed riding in the blade with Larry Brannan and motorcycle rides with Marshall Little. When Jillianne was old enough to start following Jason around, they explored the 40 acres (about twice the area of Chicago’s Millennium Park) where they went on diamond mine expeditions and rode in a red wagon on a 6 percent grade road going as fast as possible. (Let your imagination do the work.)
When he started school, he made life friends who also enjoyed making Mom fear someone might die going down the hill only now they were using the cozy coup because it had a roll cage in their opinion. Jason enjoyed karate, running cross country, and playing with Wyoming pipe and Drum. He loved wearing his kilt, he always claimed the breeze was quite nice. When Jason left home, he traveled from Chicago to New York and down the east coast to Florida. When he finished that adventure, he took a job in Iowa city Iowa. He then moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and lived there for five years before returning home to Wyoming. The last four years of his life he worked for what is now called Rinker Quick Crete in Casper, Wyoming. Jason Lived life to the fullest, it wasn’t a good day until he made someone laugh or could help someone who he knew needed it the most. He also LOVED OLD PEOPLE; they told the best stories. They gave the best life advice after making you solve the problem yourself and then saying you should’ve done it this way. Jason loved being around children and watching them learn and grow, some even called him Uncle Nerd, Uncle Jason or Jay-Shawn. The bonds he made with them meant the most to him. He left us the reminder that above everything else family, faith, love, music and laughter are the most important things in life.
Jason is preceded in death by his grandparents; numerous aunts; uncles; cousins; and others who he loved. He is survived by his parents, James and Janice Gormly of Gillette, Wyoming; sister Jillianne Gormly-Smith; brother-in-law Kyle R.G. Smith; his nephews Jamie-Joe, Johnathan-James, Jarrod-Jude, and Jasper-Jay of Worland, Wyoming; adopted brother Christopher Donahue; adopted sister Elizabeth Neal; and their families of Gillette, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers we would like to make a special donation to the Abate Toy store so he can bring joy to children one last time in Gillette, Wyoming or plant a tree in his memory. Condolences May be sent to P.O. Box 3601 Gillette, Wyoming 82717.
Donations May be sent to Abate in care of 1504 Monte Vista Lane Gillette, WY 82717.
Diane Elizabeth Kowalski: 1952 – 2023
Diane Elizabeth Kowalski, 71, of Casper, passed away August 17, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family.
Diane was born February 16, 1952, to Nolan and Elizabeth “Betty” (Quinlan) Ouderkirk. She grew up in Casper, where she attended St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1970.
In 1972 she married the love of her life, Rob Kowalski. They raised their two children, Matthew and Megan, in Casper. Along with Grandma Betty, the family had many adventures traveling the country for soccer tournaments, vacations and family gatherings.
Diane became a grandmother in 2000 with the birth of her oldest grandson Christian, followed by his brothers Hunter and Brady. Granddaughter Siena joined the family in 2011. Diane loved spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow. She and Rob took the kids on many trips throughout the region.
Diane loved to read, a gift she inherited from her mother Betty. She worked for many years at Ralph’s Book Store in Casper, and collected books throughout her life. Her mother Betty helped start the Friends of the Library book sale, and Diane volunteered countless hours of her time as well.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Nolan and Betty Ouderkirk. She is survived by her husband, Robert Kowalski; son Matthew Kowalski of Denver; daughter Megan (Michael) Moore of Casper; grandsons Christian, Hunter and Brady Moore; granddaughter Siena Kowalski; and countless friends and family.
At Diane’s request, there will be no funeral service. However, a celebration of her amazing life will be held in Casper in the summer of 2024, when her family and friends can all gather in Casper.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Casper Humane Society in Diane’s honor.
Vince E. Lukowiak: 1949 – 2023
Vince E. Lukowiak, 73, of Evansville, Wyoming passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023 at Banner Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Vince was born on November 7, 1949 in Casper, Wyoming to Vincent and Gladys Lukowiak.
Vince married his high school sweetheart, Bev Swift on February 14, 1970. Together they had two sons, Bobby and Chris.
Vince enjoyed his time in the Wyoming mountains with his family, fishing, camping, ATV Rides. He enjoyed muzzle loading and casting his own ammunition. Vince would be found tinkering in his garage, he had an incredible knack for engineering and fashioning solutions for problems around the home.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent E. Lukowiak, Sr. and Gladys Lukowiak.
Vince is survived by his wife, Bev; sons, Bobby Lukowiak and Chris (Twila) Lukowiak; grandchildren, Christian and Nathan Lukowiak; siblings: Nellie Bretey of Iowa, Stella McMasters of Casper, Wyoming, Dan Lukowiak of Hannah, Wyoming, Mary Phillips of Evansville, Wyoming, and Dave Lukowiak of Casper, Wyoming; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
David L. Miller: 1946 – 2023
David Lowell Miller, a man loved by anyone who met him, passed away on August 16, 2023. Although he was 76 years old, he was often complimented on how he looked much younger than he was, which absolutely delighted him. He was born on October 8, 1946, in Reading, Pennsylvania to Clyde Sr. and Florence (Dieter) Miller.
From an early age, David had a strong work ethic. He developed a love for baking while employed at Hershey Bakery in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and developed a love for music while ushering concerts for Liberace, Jerry Lee Lewis, Frank Sinatra, and others. After graduating from Hershey High School, he returned to Casper, Wyoming and enlisted in the Navy, where he served in the Seabees during two tours in Vietnam and two tours in Japan from 1965 to 1971.
After an honorable discharge from the service, David worked at the Ma Bell Telephone Company and then was accepted into the IBEW Electrical Apprentice program and earned his Journeyman Electrical license. One memorable project he worked on was running the electrical for the Prometheus statue in front of the Casper Public Library. He achieved the well-respected position as a Master Electrician Environmental Tech Operations Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he thrived in his career from 1985 to 2018.
As Dave would say, he got “twitter-pated” and fell in love with Loretta. They were married on July 24, 1975 and shared a fulfilling 48 years together. Together they raised two beautiful children, Adam and Anthea, and ensured that life was rich in opportunity and adventure. He instilled in his kids the value of pursuing a meaningful life, including a strong work ethic and a personal walk with God.
David found joy and a deep sense of satisfaction in supporting his family, friends, and community through regular acts of service. His positive outlook on life was contagious and was an encouragement to others. He was an instrumental Boy Scout leader who valued leading by example and would never ask anyone to do something that he wasn’t willing to do himself. For many years, he and his family would volunteer at the Salvation Army, handing out Christmas toys to families, serving warm dinners (always with a smile and conversation), and his personal favorite, taking teddy bears to the pediatric ward to lift the spirits of the children spending the holidays in the hospital.
David was an original Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and Casper Mountain Nordic Ski Patrol member. He loved the outdoors and ensured his family experienced the beauty it had to offer by filling the summers with regular camping, backpacking, and fishing trips. One year he even built a snow igloo on Casper Mountain for his wife and daughter to spend the night in. He was a man who had the heart of a teacher and loved sharing his knowledge on a variety of topics, including how to tie a bowline knot (one of many), set up camp, or how to fix darn near anything.
David’s passions were attending his children’s soccer games and school functions, whistling & singing, baking and eating good food, including ice cream, and yodeling, which surprised many. He loved music and the variety the world had to offer – a passion he and his daughter enjoyed sharing together. He would fill the room with a rhythm that you could not help but groove to. David was a man who loved to laugh, tease, and every now and then, play the practical joke on an unsuspecting family member or friend. As long as he could make someone smile, his life’s daily mission was complete.
David was preceded in death by his son, Adam Miller; his brother, Clyde Miller Jr.; his sister, Joan Norman; his lifelong friend, Burt Taylor; and his parents, Clyde Sr. and Florence Miller. He is survived by his wife, Loretta, his daughter, Anthea, and his daughter-in-law, Stacy. David leaves behind a legacy of love through his grandchildren Isaac (Cougar) and Mackenzie (Firecracker).
He was loved by many other family members, including but not limited to, Randy Miller (nephew); Karen Fletcher (niece); Paige Wimmer (niece); Frankie Dale (nephew); Frank and Ellen Choyeski (brother-in-law & wife); Sandy and Ted Bochman (sister-in-law & husband); Sylvia and Chuck Headley (sister-in-law & husband); Bruce, Gail, Steven, & Alicia Rafuse (adopted family); The Taylors (adopted family); and his FAA family.
Services will be held at Mountain View Baptist Church Thursday, August 24, 2023. Viewing will be at 9:00 a.m.; services at 10:00 a.m. with military rites following.
Virginia Faye Palumbo: 1945 – 2023
Virginia (Ginny) Faye Jack Harris Palumbo was born on August 20, 1945, to William Cantril Jack and Joyce Davida (Smith).
Virginia passed from “Death to Life”on August 19, 2023, blessed to be a ” Christian in Complete Armour.” She and her three sisters, Karen Wyatt, Wilma Kiever, and Margaret Fletcher grew up on a sheep ranch west of Hiland, Wyoming. Virginia had many fond memories of Grandpa and Grandma Smith’s store at Hiland called the “Bright Spot.” Virginia attended schools in Casper graduating from Natrona County High School in 1963.
In 1963 Virginia met and married Ted Harris and began a ranching career with Ted in Wyoming. Over a period of 20 years Virginia and Ted raised three sons: Justin, Jason and Paul working on ranches in Wyoming and Nevada. In the early 1980’s Virginia and Ted purchased a dairy farm in Cambridge, Idaho and entered the dairy industry. The overwhelming pressure and stress led to a divorce between Virginia and Ted.
In 1986 Virginia returned to Casper living with her mother Joyce. Virginia began to study Social Work at Casper College through the University of Wyoming and started a writing career with poems and short stories appearing in the Casper College publication known as “Expression Magazine.” In January 1994 after graduating from Casper College, Virginia was introduced to Mike Palumbo, a Chemical Engineer at Little America Refinery (Sinclair Casper Refinery).
After several years of bible study at Casper Open Bible Church, Virginia and Mike joined a Rest Home Ministry group that conducted services at Casper Mountain Rehabilitation, Life Care, and Garden Square for over 20 years until suspended in March 2020 due Covid 19.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Cantril and Joyce. Virginia is survived by her husband, Mike; sisters, Karen, Wilma and Margaret; sons, Justin, Jason and Paul; and many nieces and nephews and grandchildren. A celebration of life is pending.
Sally Elizabeth Robbins: 1943 – 2023
Sally Elizabeth Woodson Robbins of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on August 18, 2023, at Central Wyoming Hospice.
Sally was born in Torrington, Wyoming, to Alice Elizabeth (Betty) Bock Woodson and Lewis Franklin Woodson on July 6, 1943. She attended Natrona County High School and graduated in 1961. In 1965, she earned a BA with honors in education from the University of Wyoming where she was an active member of Chi Omega, outstanding “Greek Woman,” and president of Panhellenic. On August 21, 1965, she married Philip Burton Robbins in Casper.
They moved to McCord Air Force Base, in Tacoma, Washington, and Sally gave birth to her first son, Lewis Burton Robbins. When Phil went to Vietnam, Sally and baby Lew moved to Casper to be with family.
When Phil returned, the family moved to Riverton, Wyoming, where Mark Alan and Lynn Elaine were born. They returned to Casper in 1988. Sally substitute taught, tutored math, and was a teacher assistant at East Junior High School for many years before her retirement. Sally was an active member of Highland Park Community Church and Stonecroft Ministries, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed traveling.
Sally is survived by Phil; Lew (Anna); and Lynn (Damien); four grandchildren, Abbie, Matthew, Cameron, and Alissa; and her sisters, Mimi Anzel (Jerry Williams) and Liz Jameson; numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and her granddog, Gilbert. Sally was preceded in death by her father, who died in the Battle of the Bulge when she was eighteen months old; her parents, Betty and Orval Coy; and her son Mark, who died in 2017.
Edward Rohrich: 1930 – 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Edward (Ed) Rohrich announces his passing. Edward slipped away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home on Saturday, August 12, at the age of 92.
Ed was the youngest of six children. Born at his family farm near Staussburg, North Dakota on November 22, 1930, to Frank and Elizabeth Rohrich. Ed lived most of his young life in North Dakota until a job opportunity moved him to Bozeman, where he met his future wife, Ellen. They married on March 9th, 1963. A year later, their lives were doubly blessed by the birth of their daughter Lisa in 1964. Life had one more move in store for them, and in the fall of 1973, the family moved to their final home in Casper, Wyoming.
Ed was a devoted husband and father and was an avid dog lover. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and fishing and was an enthusiastic outdoorsman and fierce cribbage player. He especially loved to go out to Alcova Reservoir where he spent long hours fishing and enjoying the water. He was an active member of the Casper Water Ski Club for nearly 40 years.
For 28 years Edward worked for and ultimately managed the Buttrey Foods store in Casper. After his retirement, he and Ellen often traveled and stayed in Yuma during the winter months.
Known for his sense of humor, his kindness, helpfulness, and his easy laugh, Ed was a good friend and loved by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Lisa.
He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Elizabeth; his wife, Ellen, his brother and sisters; several nephews and a niece.
A funeral service in memory of Ed is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on August 24 at Our Lady of Fatima, 1401 CY Ave, Casper, Wyoming. Reception immediately following the service. Internment will follow at Highland Cemetery.
For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available to watch. Go to Zach Heidrich Facebook page.
