Marlene Christine Aschenbrenner: 1948 – 2023
On the evening of August 16, 2023, Marlene “Munsy” Christine Aschenbrenner passed away at St. James Hospital after complications from cancer surgery. Munsy was surrounded by family members when she passed. She was diagnosed with cancer in November of 2022. She was 75 years old at the time of her death.
Munsy was born in Park Rapids, Minnesota on May 6, 1948 to Henry Raymond Lehto and Elma Sylvia Marjamaa. She was one of eight children.
Munsy remembered being a young child on a farm in the woods of Minnesota. When she was very young, 3 or 4 years old, her extended family loaded all their belongings on various trucks and caravanned from Minnesota to Butte, Montana for work in the Butte copper mines. The family were of Finlander descent and spoke Finnish in their home. Munsy spoke mostly Finnish and had to learn English when attending school. One of her childhood homes in Butte was in an area that would later be overtaken by the Berkely Pit. Marlene loved to sing with her sisters at local community events and the radio. She loved to ice skate on local lakes and ponds.
Munsy met and married Brent Vernal Taylor in Worland, Wyoming in 1965. Brent worked plumbing construction all around the state of Wyoming while Munsy was a homemaker. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints and believed in her Heavenly Father all her life. She and Brent were the proud parents of three children, Tina Diann, Sherry Lynn, and Randy V who were born while they lived in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Later, Brent and Marlene divorced.
Marlene later married Ronald Lee Aschenbrenner in Elko, Nevada. They had one son together, Dustin Bud Aschenbrenner. While living in Nevada, Ron worked at Newmont Gold Mine. Munsy loved her garden and home in Spring Creek where they lived. After living in the Elko, NV area for several years and enjoying the beautiful Ruby Mountains they returned to Butte.
Munsy loved her strawberries, thus her nickname which means “strawberry” in Finnish, gardening, crafting, and flowers. In her younger years she enjoyed and took classes at Western Wyoming College and painting ceramics. Her daughters remember her sewing with her mother, Elma, many beautiful doll clothes for them. Munsy and her mom also spent many happy hours canning pickles, fruits, vegetables, and jams for family and friends to enjoy. Many, many days you could find her out at the lake or river drowning a worm. She loved her fishing! She was a fashionista wearing her cat-eye glasses, hip clothing, and sometimes even a wig! And she loved to go out and dance the night away. Munsy was always happy to cook a big turkey dinner for any family and friends who were visiting! All were welcome! Like a true Finlander she loved her black licorice, which a few of her grandchildren have also learned to love.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents: Henry Lehto and Elma Gustafson; husband, Ronald Lee Aschenbrenner; sisters, Shirley Lehto and Emily Austin; brother, Vincent Lehto; and grandson, Brodie Ray Aschenbrenner.
Marlene is survived by her children: Tina Bihr (Mark) of Casper, Wyoming; Sherry Williamson (Morgan) of Absarokee, Montana; Randy Taylor and Dustin Aschenbrenner of Butte, Montana; brother, Stanley Lehto of Yelm, Washington, sisters: Virgie Brubaker (Harvey) of Worland, Wyoming; Lorna Morrison of Caldwell, Idaho; and Sonya Ranta (Chris) of Rock Springs, Wyoming; sister-in-law, Joanne Grey, of Butte, Montana; grandchildren: Erica Lansing, Ryan Lansing, Randon Henrikson all of Butte, Montana; Tiana Carlson (Taylor) of Casper, Wyoming; Brent Bihr (Mabel) of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Viona Luckey of Billings, Montana; and great-grandchildren: Jauclynn Lansing, MaKyla Lansing, Kayson Aguilar, and Iris Lansing all of Butte, Montana; and stepchildren: Ronnie Aschenbrenner (Christina) of Mountain Home, Idaho; Stanley Lawrence (Amy) of McCall, Idaho; Terri Clements (Rick) of Boise, Idaho; and Lu Ringle Haney of Holman, Wisconsin. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Marlene will be cremated, and her ashes will be interred at Mount Moriah Cemetery, Butte, Montana with her husband Ron. Memorial Services will be planned for the summer of 2024.
Wesley M. Brummett: 1937 – 2023
After a short battle with cancer, Wesley M Brummett passed on August 23, 2023. He will be missed by his extensive family and many friends. Wes was born December 10, 1937 to Wesley B and Alice Dora (Gallyer) Brummett in Myton, Utah. He attended school in Roosevelt, graduating from Union High in 1956. While in school he was active in FFA and Utah Boys State.
After graduation, he worked at various ranching jobs for a few years. Everything changed when his good friend, Alvin Baker convinced him to go on a date with his little sister, Grace Ann. After a whirlwind courtship of 6 months, Wes and Grace Ann were married in Salt Lake City on 06/07/1958. Their first daughter was born May of 1959 in Vernal, Utah while they were living and working on the Nutter ranch in Duschene County, Utah. After their son was born in Vernal Utah in January of 1961, Wes and Grace Ann decided to pursue different work to support their growing family. Wes decided to start a career in the welding line of work. He did many different jobs including the underground missile silos of Montana, western Nebraska and the Cheyenne, Wyoming areas. They eventually decided to settle in the Casper area where they welcomed two more daughters.
With his wife Grace Ann by his side, he started his own business, Salt Creek Welding with one welding truck and eventually grew it to be large, multi-state venture.
Wes never met a person that he couldn’t say hello to and then start an extended conversation with. Everyone would end up laughing because Wes would always be laughing while telling his joke or tale. He had many stories to tell from roping an outhouse while on horseback in his teenage years and dragging it down main street to meeting Al Davis from the Oakland Raiders when he was in business and refusing to do a job for him (politely of course).
He believed and taught his children many things including honesty, hard work and that your word or promise had to be kept. He insisted that all of his children knew how to change a tire and the oil in a car. He also taught them many handy-man type things to do around the home. Even though he worked long hours he enjoyed fishing every chance that he could and hunting in the fall with frequent family camping trips.
He had an adventurous spirit and took his wife to Europe for their 50th wedding anniversary. They rode a train to the east coast, cruise to England then flew to Florida then home. They later went to Haiti to see a couple they met on the cruise.
Wes eventually sold his business to his son Wes and son-in-law Kevin and started semi-retirement. They started traveling the country in their motor home until finding a winter home in Overton, Nevada and becoming “snow birds”. He had many friends and fishing “buddies” in Overton that he cherished.
He is survived by his children: Margaret (Troy) Reynolds, Wes R (Robin) Brummett, Carolyn Hackworth, and Brenda (Kevin) Flynn; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves many friends across the country.
Wes and Grace Ann were married for 60 years when she passed in 2018. He was also predeceased by his parents; his brothers Alvin, Milton, Vern, Norman; and his sister, Dolly (Velma). He also lost one grandson, Wesley Owen Brummett, and one great-grandson, Phillip Brummett.
James M. Doyle: 1940 – 2023
James Michael Doyle died August 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving children. He was preceded in death by the love of his life Rosemary. James is survived by his children: Peggy (John), Jim (Susan), Tom (Ann) and Kathy (Jack); six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Casper, Wyoming on September 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with reception to follow.
James Doyle was born in Flint Michigan in 1940 to James and Della Doyle. He attended St. Agnes School for 11 years and graduated high school in 1958 from St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Flint Junior College and the University of Michigan and graduated in 1963 with an BA degree in Physics and Mathematics with a teaching certificate.
James married Rosemary T. Unwin in 1962. James taught Physics, Mathematics and Religion at St. John Vianney High School from 1963-1969. After attending Purdue University, he earned an MS degree in Physics and Mathematics. He was named Chairman of the Science and Mathematics Education Specification Committee for Powers High School. He was subsequently named Science-Mathematics Area Coordinator of Powers High School from 1970-1972. He was named assistant principal at Donovan Middle School from 1972-1973 and named Principal of Donovan South & Mayotte Primary School from 1973-1976.
In 1976, James and family moved to Wyoming with the encouragement of Sr. Joyce Durosko, and he became Principal of St. Stephen’s Indian School where he assisted in the development of Native American personnel in teaching and administering the school. He served in various capacities at St. Stephens and the building of a new school facility, ending his service at St. Stephen’s as Business Manager in 1987. James and Rosemary were invited to be Associates of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Order in Monroe, Michigan and have been members for over 40 years.
James and Rosemary moved to Kaycee, Wyoming in 1987 to become Principals of the Jr/Sr High School and the Elementary School. They served the Kaycee Schools until 1995 when they were selected by Quality Schools International to open and operate an English-speaking school in the newly democratized country of Slovenia. This adventure brought them to Ljubljana, Slovenia for two years as they organized and taught all subjects in grades K-12. They used their time in Slovenia to travel throughout Europe and enjoyed learning the cultures they experienced.
James was hired as lecturer in the Education Department at the University of Wyoming while he completed requirements for a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership which he earned in 1998. He and Rosemary moved to Bozeman, Montana in 1999, where Jim served as Assistant Professor in Education Leadership at Montana State University. He retired in 2004 and resided in Bozeman until 2013 when he moved to Casper, Wyoming. After moving to Casper, he and Rosemary assimilated themselves into the community seamlessly with volunteer activities and friendships they created at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
James touched many lives both professionally and personally. He was described by many students as being their favorite teacher. He was known for his kindness, gentle wisdom, loyalty, leadership, integrity, generosity, devotion and love, and as simply being an incredible human being. Most importantly, his love of Rosemary was never-ending and was beautifully illustrated in their 60-year marriage.
James wanted everyone to know that he was eternally grateful for all his delightful companions on his journey and stated: “We are all just walking each other home.”
Anyone wanting to send a donation can direct them to the IHM Sisters of Monroe, MI at ihmsisters.org (610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162) or Holy Cross Food Bank in Casper, WY (1030 N. Lincoln Street, Casper, WY 82601).
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tues. Sept. 5, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Father Cliff Jacobson will be the Celebrant.
This service will be livestreamed and may be viewed here: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=2794600f-7574-4671-b7a6-d09fda21b57b
Amy Renee Dunn (Pennington): 1973 – 2023
Amy Renee Dunn (Pennington) was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Amy left this world peacefully and pain free on August 13, 2023, at the age of 49. She fought Metastatic Breast Cancer for seven years; showing her true strength, dignity, bravery, and dedication to her children all the way until the end. Amy passed in her home in Torrington, Wyoming surrounded by her closest family and friends she considered family.
She was born to Betty and Louis Pennington on November 8, 1973, in Houston, Texas where she was welcomed by her siblings: Deanna and Richard. Louis went on to have another daughter, Christy. Amy became a mother at a young age and poured herself into raising her five children: Leslie, Josh, Mercedes, Devon, and Shaelynn. Amy enjoyed learning and spent many of her adult years in college where she explored Nursing, Massage Therapy, and Medical Assistance. She ultimately decided to continue her career in Food Service Management where she stayed for the remainder of her life. Although Amy did not see herself as a people person, she touched the lives of many and made friends everywhere she went. Amy won many awards throughout her management in Food Service, where she was recognized for the cleanliness and efficiency of facilities she managed. Employees of hers always spoke highly of her and enjoyed her lighthearted & caring management style.
Amy met her two best friends Crystal and Natalie when she was in pre-school. They grew together, went through challenging times together, and remained friends all through her life. Amy could always be found near a Taco Bell and passed her love for the food on to her children. She was always a good listener, not much of a talker, so much so that when on the phone with her most of the time was spent talking while listening to her breathe. Amy connected to music and was known to take long drives listening to Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Madonna, Def Leppard, Tiffany, and any mixes that were made for her.
Amy enjoyed sewing, she created many blankets, day-to-day outfits, Halloween and Theater costumes, car seat covers, and so much more. She also enjoyed playing catch with her children and grandchildren every chance she got, often using it as time to connect and talk about life. Amy had a knack for finding joy in the simpler things in life, such as, spending time with her family laughing (Amy had a wonderful and sarcastic sense of humor that often made people laugh and question her sanity simultaneously), going to the lake, camping, taking trips, going to the beach, watching movies with loved ones, going to dinner at her favorite restaurants, supporting her children & grandchildren at sporting & academic events, teaching people how to cook, and braiding her daughter’s hair.
Amy is survived by her five children: daughter Leslie Proudfoot (32) of Casper, Wyoming, son Joshua (Josh) Proudfoot (32) and daughter-in-law Kristian Proudfoot of Casper, Wyoming; daughter Mercedes (Sadi) Hatcher (28) & son-in-law Ian Hatcher of Torrington, Wyoming; son Devon Proudfoot (17) of Torrington, Wyoming; daughter Shaelynn Dunn (11) of Torrington, Wyoming; grandchildren Jeremiuh Proudfoot, Brayden Hatcher, Mercy McIntosh, Paxton McIntosh, Jaxen Proudfoot, Koltyn McIntosh, Raylan Hatcher, Rosealeigh Proudfoot, Tyr Banner; brother Richard (Rick) Pennington of Grandview, Texas; sister Deanna (Dede) Pennington Reyna of Show Low, Arizona; sister Christy Pennington of Houston, Texas; chosen sister and lifelong friend Crystal Lybbert of Casper, Wyoming; chosen sister & lifelong friend Natalie Rollins-Allen of Casper, Wyoming; along with five nieces and nephews; and her cat Panda.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Betty Pennington on October 26, 2011 and Louis Pennington on July 23, 2016; her dogs Tiny & Sugar Pie Honey Bear.
Amy will be having an open Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m. on September 9, 2023, located at Highland Park Community Church in Casper, Wyoming. We ask that you dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable, keep in mind we will be celebrating her life!
Marla Irene Getzfeild: 1949 – 2023
Marla Irene Getzfeid was born in Valentine, Nebraska on October 5, 1949- passed away on August 21, 2023 in Casper Wyoming. She was a daughter of Charles M. Estes and Ivagene I. Kash-Estes.
She is survived by sister Sharon L. Estes-Orndorf of Middletown, Delaware; daughters Tammy Gantt-Escarsega (Jerry) and Sandra Kay Wolstenholm-Cooper; son Danny Canchola ( Aimee Viricheck) and grandchildren Randy Gantt and Scott and Jeramy Ehrler. Also surviving Marla are step-granddaughters Gabriella Escarsega-Cole and Alicia Escarsega; grandson Francisco Sosa; granddaughters MaKayLee Cooper and Andraya Canchola; seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nieces and cousins.
Her mother Ivagene I. Estes, father Charles Estes and brothers Charles M. Estes and Bruce A. Estes predeceased her.
Marla was always a very hard worker and loved waitressing. She shined working in that business with her customers. She had been in many places in her life, as her dad relocated many times as she was growing up. She loved to play the slots, watch old western movies and Antiques Road Show. She spent her final days with her daughter Sandra by her side caring for her. They were so very close during her lifetime. They would just hang out, tell stories and laugh. What a blessing! We are all grateful for that. She wasn’t alone.
Marla will be missed by many as she really touched a lot of people, she would do anything she could for you.
There will be a Celebration of Life held on September 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at 1701 East E Street, Casper in the back of the building.
” He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. ” Revelation 2:4
Cecil “Dick Bison” Richard Gilbert: 1929 – 2023
Cecil Richard (Dick Bison) Gilbert, 94, of Casper, passed away on August 25, 2023, at his home in Casper.
Cecil was born in Grinnell, Iowa to Raymond H. and Rosale W. Gilbert on March 24, 1929. Cecil (Red) joined the Navy in 1945 and was transferred to Casper as a recruiter in January 1950.
Dick got part-time work with Bison Service as a gas station attendant and mechanic. In the spring of 1950, he met Palma Nelson and married in October 1950. They purchased Bison Service as time passed, changing the name to Dick’s Bison Service and eventually expanding into towing and salvage. Palma passed on in 1994.
Dick met Audrey Rhoades and married in 2002. Audrey passed on in early 2004 after a fight with cancer.
Dick then met Linda Carnes in late 2004 and married in 2005. Linda passed on in February 2012 from heart complications. In a little donut shop, he met Theresa Brown in 2016. They married the same year. Theresa loved and supported her husband in his final years.
Dick is survived by his wife, Theresa; and two daughters, Connie Gaukel (Gerry) and April Johansen (Ted), both of Casper. There are nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren at Dick’s passing.
Dick’s funeral service will be held at Rock of Ages Church, Casper, on September 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Mark Lewis officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the Lakota Children’s Foundation.
Orville Holder: 1961 – 2023
Orville Holder, age 61 of Casper passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
Orville was born in 1961 to Margaret and Jay, but also knew Denni, Jay’s wife of 32 years, as mom. He went to Natrona County High School and received his GED in 1995. After he left school, he joined the Army National Guard in 1979 and received the qualification badges for both M\16 and handguns. His training was in masonry and carpentry, and he used these skills throughout his life. He started his truck driving career and obtained many endorsements he was extremely proud of. He was very passionate about driving and when he saw other truckers not obeying the law, he referred to them as ‘steering wheel holders’. His last job was with Knife River Materials as the Scale Master. He became passionate about this role as well not only because it was centered around trucking, but the way the company values its employees.
Orville is survived by his loving wife Tonya; his moms, Denni and Margaret; his sons Jacob and Chris; and the numerous kids he was a bonus dad to; his two sisters, Tammy and Thenda, and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Terry and Janice; his brother Joe; and his father Jay.
Services will be held at the Oregon Trail Veteran’s Cemetery Chapel on August 31, at 1:00 p.m. with interment held in the cemetery. The celebration of his life will be held at the Hope Center located at 441 S. Center after the interment.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Memorial Fund of Orville Holder at Hilltop Bank.
Steven Edward “Steve” Lund: 1963 – 2023
Steven Edward Lund, 60, of Mills, Wyoming, passed away on August 17, 2023 from a heart condition.
He was predeceased by his parents, Marion Monica and Laverne Joseph Lund; and his siblings, Dawn Marie and Neil Joseph Lund. He left behind his siblings, Brian Paul Lund and Roxann Mae Norris (Jeffery A Norris); nieces Ashlie Dawn Lund-Richardson and Stephanie Marie Lund; his nephew, Cory Jospeh Norris, and Steve’s partner, Joy Mitts.
Steve will be buried with his brother Neil at Highland Cemetery. A memorial will be scheduled at a later date.
Eva Jean Yunko: 1950 – 2023
Eva Jean Yunko, 73, of Casper, Wyoming passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper.
Eve was born on April 5, 1950 in Casper, Wyoming to Tom and Margaret Bagley, one of three sisters. She graduated from Kelly Walsh High School and attended Casper College.
Eve met the love of her life, Charles Yunko in 1971 and they married in 1972 in Torrington, Wyoming. Together they had two sons, Scott and Casey.
After moving to Colorado for Chuck’s job the family relocated to Casper in 1976 where they stayed.
Eve worked for the Natrona County School District as a Special Education Assistant and retired after 27 years.
After her retirement Eve enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; three aunts; and her brother in law, Gary Palser.
Eve is survived by her husband of 51 years, Charles Yunko; sons, Scott (Jamie) Yunko of Minot, North Dakota and Casey (Nicole Stone) Yunko of Broomfield, Colorado; grandchildren, Jewliya Yunko, Brennan Yunko, Alise Yunko, Daisy Yunko and Sunny Yunko; sisters, Karra Juergens, Norma Romero, and Peggy Palser; numerous nieces and nephews.
Service information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
