Genealogy and History
Obituaries and Death Notices
Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Genealogy and History
Obituaries and Death Notices
SCHNAPP Mary, 97, of Rawlins, died on Tuesday, June 22, 2004, at the South Central Health Center in Rawlins. A longtime resident of Rawlins and former resident of Rock Springs, Mrs. Schnapp died following a lengthy illness. She was born on May 7, 1907, in Lama Dei Peligni, Italy, the daughter of the late Francesco DEramo and Delle Rose Nalvina. Mrs. Schnapp attended schools in Italy. She married Joseph Schnapp in April 1940 in Rock Springs and he preceded her in death in 1956. Mrs. Schnapp was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Survivors include her daughter, Anna Green and husband Edgar; seven grandchildren, William Green, Melinda Smith, Melissa Smith, Terry Green, Robert Green, John Green, Chris Green; 22 great-grandchildren, one niece and two nephews in Italy. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Following cremation, a memorial graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2004, at the St. Josephs Section of the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery
SHELTON, Mary -- A number of Rock Springs people went to Superior on Tuesday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Mary Shelton, wife of Harry N Shelton. Mrs. Shelton was taken suddenly ill on Saturday evening and died the following day. An operation was performed at an early hour on Sunday morning with the hope of saving her life but it was of no avail. She leaves a mother Mrs. Higginson, a husband and two little sons to mourn their great loss. Bishop Crookston and the choir at the L. D. S. church went out from Rock Springs to assist with the funeral services. [June 5, 1915]
SKORUP, Mike
An accident which terminated fatally occurred here as the men were quitting work at No. 8 mine. As the men trip was leaving the mine one of the cars jumped the track and hitting a piece of timber brought it down. A boy named Mike Skorup, 16 years of age, was struck by the falling timber on the head. He was immediately taken to the hospital but died the same evening. Jack and Robert Armstrong, who were in the same car, were slightly injured. [Wyoming State Tribune – Cheyenne State Leader (3 Mar. 1920)- MZ - sub by FoFG]
SLAUGH, Gary L., 60, died as a result of injuries sustained in a Gold Wing touring bike accident near Kalispell, Mont., on June 27, 2005.
He was born in Vernal, Utah, Oct. 14, 1944, the son of Gladys and Lloyd LaDell Slaugh.
In 1964, he began his career with Halliburton Energy Services in Vernal, Utah, after being hired by his future father-in-law, Hubert Erle Northcutt. He retired in 2004, after 40 years of service with Halliburton in Rock Springs.
He was an avid outdoorsman. He shared his enthusiasm and knowledge of the mountains and its wildlife with his friends and family.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Erlene; two children, Rita Ann Oriet and fiance Mark Caton and Gary Erle Slaugh and fiance Kory Rossetti, all of Rock Springs; four grandchildren, Lacy and Kaila Oriet and Wes and Ryan Slaugh, all of Rock Springs; his mother, Gladys Slaugh of Vernal, Utah; two brothers, Craig Slaugh and wife Pat of Rock Springs and Ted Slaugh and wife Debbie of Vernal; one sister, Sandy Scott and husband Bob of Vernal; mother-in-law, Dorris Northcutt of Rock Springs; nephews, Justin Slaugh and wife Donna and Travis Slaugh, all of Rock Springs, Joey Slaugh and wife Debra, Doug Scott and wife Marquitia and John Scott, all of Vernal; and nieces, Stephanie and Stacy Ellis of Rock Springs, Julie Batty and husband Brandon and Jennie Springer and husband Rory of Vernal, and Jamie Young of Orem.
He was preceded in death by his father, LaDell Slaugh; and father-in-law, Hubert Erle Northcutt.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2005, at the White Mountain LDS Ward Chapel, 3306 White Mountain Blvd., Rock Springs. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Paul J. Wataha section of the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery.
SLAUGHTER, Elaine H., 80, of Green River, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2006, at the Castle Rock Convalescent Center in Green River. A lifelong resident of Green River, Mrs. Slaughter died following a lengthy illness. She was born July 16, 1926, in Rock Springs, the daughter of John and Nellie Mae Gregory Hansen. Mrs. Slaughter attended schools in Rock Springs and graduated from Rock Springs High School. She married Dee Losee Slaughter on June 8, 1946, in Green River. Mrs. Slaughter worked for the School District No. 2 for 10 years as a business secretary until her retirement in 1983.
She was a member of the Royal Neighbors, honorary lifetime member of the Rolling Green Country Club and the Pinochle Club. She and her husband owned the Covered Wagon in Green River.
Survivors include her husband, Dee; two sons, Brad U. Slaughter and wife Nancy R. of Surprise, Ariz., and Robert D. Slaughter and wife Mariella of Green River; one brother, Jack W. Hansen of Rock Springs; one sister, Laura Ann Odorizzi of Yuma, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Vaun Telck of Rock Springs; special lifetime family friends, Rudy and Sandee Gunter; nine grandchildren, Shannon Bever-idge, Tara Turai, Brad Slaughter, Shane Stevenson, Kristy Spalding, Erin Curtis, Brett Stevenson, Sean Slaughter and Megan Slaughter; 10 great-grandchildren, Austin Beveridge, Drew Beveridge, McKenzie Turai, Alexia Slaughter, Peighton Spalding, Coleton Spalding, Afton Spalding, Ashley Stevenson, Samantha Stevenson and Aiden Curtis; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nellie Mae.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006, at the LDS Stake Center Chapel, 120 Shoshone Ave., Green River. Bishop Wayde Mecham will conduct the services. Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Green River.
SMITH, Dixie Lyn, 59, of Green River, died Friday, June 1, 2007 at the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. A resident of Green River since 1998 and former resident of Salt Lake City, Mrs. Smith had been in ill health for the past several years.
She was born Jan. 23, 1948, in Roosevelt, Utah, the daughter of Nile and Evelyn Prescott Gines. She attended school in Utah.
She married Gary Smith on Oct.2, 1987, in Manila, Utah.
Mrs. Smith was employed at Tenneco Minerals as an evap operator and retired in 1987.
Her interests included spending time with her husband and two daughters, fishing, camping and hunting.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Smith of Green River; two daughters, Patricia Smith and companion T.C. Flaten and Nicole Arnold and companion Derek Christensen, all of Green River; two brothers, Bradlee Gines and Robert Craig Gines, both of Salt Lake City; one sister, Mary Edmmund of Price, Utah; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and four brothers.
Following cremation, memorial graveside services and inurnment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007, at the Riverview Cemetery in Green River.
SNELL, George, aged 37 years, died at the hospital from flu. Deceased came from St. Paul, Minn., and had been employed at Dines. [Wyoming State Tribune – Cheyenne State Leader (3 Mar. 1920)- MZ - sub by FoFG]
STANTON, Richard H. died Friday, May 23, 2008. He had been a lifetime resident of Rock Springs. He was born April 11, 1926, to Ritchey O. and Margaret Thomas Stanton. He attended school in Rock Springs and was a Rock Springs High School graduate. Following graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II.
He married Jeanne M. Cilensek on Dec. 28, 1946. She preceded him in death in 1982. Mr. Stanton worked for Cream OWeber Home Dairy and Sinclair Oil. He incorporated Stanton Oil Company, an independent petroleum distributorship, where he was owner-operator until his retirement. In his younger days, he coached baseball and football for SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic School. His interests included being a sportsman, the outdoors, hunting, fishing and being a member of many wildlife conservation organizations.
Survivors include three children, Patrick Stanton of Kemmerer, Vernon Stanton and wife Beep of Rock Springs and Lynette Stanton of Salt Lake City; six grandchildren, Paul Stanton of Billings, Mont., Daniel Stanton and wife Kathy of Green River, Matthew Stanton of Casper, Kelly Stanton and Lindsey Parsons and husband Josh all of Billings, and Phillip Stanton and wife Jennifer of Rock Springs; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Sharon Cuthbertson of Green River; and longtime companion, Pamela Braun of Rock Springs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanne; and three sisters, Katherine Jean, Mary Jane Karician and Elizabeth M. Tyler.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2008, at the SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 633 Bridger Ave., Rock Springs. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2008, at the Vase Funeral Chapel, 154 Elk St., Rock Springs.
Military graveside services and interment will be conducted by American Legion Archie Hay Post No. 24 at the Paul J. Wataha Section of the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery. Friends may call at the Vase Funeral Chapel from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and again on Friday at the Chapel until time of funeral services.
STEVENS, Albert, 69, of Rock Springs, died Sunday, April 1, 2007, at the Sage View Care Center in Rock Springs.
He was born May 8, 1937, in Manila, Utah, the son of George Albert and Madge Gamble Stevens.
He attended schools in Manila and Green River and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1955.
He also attended the University of Wyoming until he joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years.
He then attended California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and received a degree in electrical engineering.
Between 1960-70, Stevens designed and patented an electric circuit for a dialysis machine using modern solid state circuits that reduced the size of the machine, enabling patients to more readily receive treatments. He held other patents on inventions including a waterbed heater and a special torque wrench used on the Alaskan pipeline.
Between 1970-80, Stevens received his private pilots license and was co-owner of an aircraft which he used for recreational flying. In the summer of 2005, he designed a machine using LED lights for treating skin problems.
He manufactured these machines under his company, Advance Trends.
He suffered a stroke in October 2005 and July 2006, and returned to Rock Springs to be closer to his sisters.
He is survived by his sisters, Zora Miller of Rock Springs and Georganne Roberts and husband Raymond of Rawlins; nephews, Paul Michael and Craig Mitchell Roberts of Rawlins; niece, Elizabeth Ann Ryan of Thermopolis; and several cousins, including Guy and Grace Logan of California.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, George Eldred.
Cremation has taken place. Graveside services and inurnment will take place in the Riverview Cemetery in Green River at a later date.
STILTELER, George Harry -- The death of George Harry, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Stilteler, occurred on Monday, caused by whooping cough and flu. The little lad was one year, six months and seventeen days old and was the light of the household, The funeral occurred at the home 219 Fifth street, Wednesday afternoon at two oclock Rev. F. N. Cloud officiating. [February 13, 1920 "Rock Springs Miner"]
STOLL, Donald Fred, 74, died Monday, July 10, 2006, at his home in Burntfork, Wyo. He was born Aug. 23, 1931, in Lehi, Utah, to William Fred and Emily Vaughn Stoll. He was raised in Burntfork and lived in Wyoming most of his life. He was the fourth generation heir to the Stoll Ranch (1866). He was a graduate of Green River High School in 1950, where he was a member of the 1949 state high school football championship team. He was a ranch hand, a cathodic protection specialist, and eventually retired as an assistant district manager. He worked in many capacities in his 32 years of service, starting with El Paso Natural Gas, then Northwest Pipeline and finally Williams Company. He said he considered his military service as the greatest honor of his life. He served in the 81st Airborne Division during the Korean War. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. When he had time away from work, he did part-time duties in Burntfork as a part-time rancher, horseshoer, butcher, barber, chef, mechanic, welder, skunkologist, self-proclaimed mayor, brewer, broom salesman and waiter. He was the CEO of the S & J Broom and Brewer Company. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Emily; and one sister, Merle Hermansen. Survivors include three sons, Ben Stoll and wife, Shannon, of Rock Springs, Wyo., Kim Stoll of Vernal, Utah, and Robert Lyn Stoll and wife, Kathy, of Washam, Wyo.; two daughters, Susan Romane of Vernal and Caryn Stoll of Denver, Colo.; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four sisters, Elsie Lee and Jackie Merchant of Green River, Wyo., Jennie Cooper of Columbus, Ohio, and Phyllis Braden of Ogden, Utah; and several cousins, nieces and nephews There will be a barbecue and service conducted at 11 a.m. today, Saturday, July 15, 2006, at the Pine Grove in McKinnon. From McKinnon, travel east approximately one mile on Highway 414 and look for signs. From Manila, Utah, travel west on Highway 44 approximately 14 miles and watch for signs.
STRAYER, Kenneth L., 11, son of Ralph William and Flora Kelso Strayer of Rock Springs, wyo. died at 9 a. m. Saturday August 3, 1940 in an Ogden hospital after a short illness. He was born in Rock Springs December 10, 1928. Surviving are his parents; a brother, Duane Strayer and a sister, Martha Jane Strayer of Rock Springs, and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Strayer of Fort Lauderdale Fla. Burial will be directed by Lindquist and Sons Mortuary in Rock Springs.
SWEENY, Barney -- One of the sad occurrences of the week was the death of Barney Sweeney, which occurred at the Wyoming General Hospital about eight o'clock on Tuesday evening. Mr. Sweeney was taken with a malignant attack of spotted fever, resulting from tick bite, at his ranch about sixteen miles south of the city. He was brought to the hospital last Sunday evening, where everything possible was done for his relief but without avail and his death occurred as stated The deceased was a native of Ireland and was sixty-six years of age. He was one of the pioneer residents of this county, and during recent years has made his home on his ranch south of the city. He had a large acquaintance, especially among the old time residents. He leaves a widow and seven children, four sons and three daughters. also. one brother. Daniel Sweeney, of Salt Lake City, and one sister. Mrs. John O'Donnell, of Bosie, Idaho. The funeral services were held from the South Side Catholic church on Friday morning and were largely attended. The sympathy of the whole community is extended to his bereaved family, who have met witha sudden and heavy a loss. [Friday June 15, 1917]
TERRY, Heber Jex 92, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, at his home in Vernal, Utah.
He was born Sept. 23, 1916, in a tent between two trees in McKinnon to Charles and Chasta Terry, the seventh of nine children. He was raised on a ranch in McKinnon and graduated from high school in Green River in 1935. He married Dolores Ylincheta on Dec. 19, 1941 in McKinnon. Their marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1959.They raised three sons, John Charles Jack, Randall James Randy and Dennis Jex DJ. Mr. Terry remained on the family ranch at McKinnon for many years. During that time, he ran a thrashing crew and timbered for his brother, Cleo. He worked on a ranch in Montana for a short time before returning to Wyoming in 1956 to go to work for Mountain Fuel. Under the advice of his doctor, Mr. Terry retired as a meter repairman in 1981. His interests included spending time with his family, water skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, story telling and playing the saxophone in the family band, the Terry Tunes. He also built his home in Vernal as well as a cabin at Greendale. He is survived by two sons, Jack and wife Shirley and DJ; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, Clair and wife Beverly Terry; one sister, Beth and husband Bill Cox; one brother-in-law, Art and wife Jill Ylincheta; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; parents, Charles and Chasta Terry; one son, Randy Terry; three brothers, Cleo, Dean and Merrill; three sisters, Veloy Gregory, Lela Anderson and Mae Miner; one great-granddaughter, KayCee Herbert; and one great-grandson, Lane Ward. Services were conducted on Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at the LDS Glines Seventh Ward Chapel. Internment followed at the McKinnon Cemetery.
THOREN, Kathleen Ann, 25, of Eden, died on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004, at the University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City. She was a resident of Eden for the past three years and former resident of Farson.
She was born on Feb. 22, 1979, in Mission Viejo, Calif., the daughter of Thomas A. and Marguerite E. Cate Klein.
Mrs. Thoren attended schools in Mission Viejo, and graduated from Capistrano Valley High School in 1997 with honors.
She married Thomas Thoren in Las Vegas on Dec. 31, 1999.
Her interests included being a wife and mother, helping people, working with children, hunting, camping and scrapbooking.
She was creative with anything to do with art and she was a soccer player.
Survivors include her husband; her parents, Thomas Klein of San Clemente, Calif., and Margie Klein of Mesa, Ariz.; one son, Michael Williamson of Eden; two daughters, Kelsey Thoren and Brandy Thoren of Eden; two sisters, Erika Klein of Superior, Colo., and Sara Clancy of Mesa; her paternal grandmother, Emma Klein of Oregon; one niece, Ashley Clancy; and one nephew, Benjamin Hunter.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather and maternal grandparents.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004, at the Farson Community Hall in Farson. Tom Burris will conduct the services. Interment will be in the Eden Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at the Farson Community Hall on Thursday one hour prior to services.
THYBERG, Alfred -- Funeral services for Alfred Thyberg 64, range foreman of the John W. Hay sheep interests, who died here Friday night December 30, 1938 will be conducted at Rock Springs ward LDS chapel at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Bishop Cecil S. James officiating . Interment will be in Mountain View cemetery directed by Rogan Mortuary. Mr. Thyberg had lived in Rock Springs since 1900. Mr. Thyberg was born at Smithfield, Utah September 7, 1874 a son of Utah pioneers, Frederick and Anna Thyberg. He had an active interest in historical relics of the west and alon the old trails crossed by his ranch work Thyberg had found many valuable relics. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Thyberg of Rock Springs; two sons, Robert and Gormer Thyberg and one daughter, Margaret; two sisters, Mrs. Irene Monson and Mrs. Dorothy Boyle, both of Los Angeles; four brothers William, Jess and Leo Thyberg, all of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Rudolph Thyberg of Pocatello, Idaho. Thyberg was known throughout the range country of western Wyoming simply as Red Thyberg.
TOONE, Eldred George died on his 93rd birthday at Bountiful, Utah, where he had lived for the past 17 years. Born March 21, 1899 at Croyden, Utah to Felix and Emily Judd Toone. He went to Green River, Wyoming in 1922, where he married Wanda Corine Burkam. Their marriage was later solemnized on May 29, 1933 in the Salt Lake Temple. He was preceded in death by three children, two girls, one boy, and his wife, Wanda. He is survived by his 2nd wife, Gertrude Anderson Toone, of North Salt Lake; four sons, Jury and Kenneth, of Bountiful; Dorland, Green River, Wyoming; and Byron, of Boise, Idaho; three step children, Bishop B. Ray Anderson, Mapleton; Hugh Anderson, St. George; Alice Akau, Hawaii; three brothers, James, Evanston, Wyoming; Alma, of Morgan; Clair, Salt Lake; 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren. Eldred worked for UP Railroad as switchman and retired in 1972. He married Gertrude Anderson in 1978. He was very active in the LDS Church and was an avid horseman. He was a chartered member of the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Posse. Services will be held Tuesday, March 24, 10 a.m., Bountiful 15th Ward Chapel, 1250 South Main, Bountiful, Utah. Viewing one hour prior to services at the chapel. Interment, River View Cemetery, in Green River, Wyoming at 3 p.m. Eldred is happy
TOONE, Gertrude Louisa Fenton Anderson -- Our loving mother and grandmother died suddenly in Pearl City, Oahu, Hawaii, at the home of her daughter, Alice Anderson Akau, on March 6, 1997. She was 87. Gertrude was born December 22, 1909 in Sheridan, Montana, to Charles Henry Fenton and Alice Boyd Fenton. At age 10, she and her family moved to Green River, Wyoming. She graduated from Green River High School in the class of 1927. She married Bennett Hugh "Red" Anderson June 7, 1927. Their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Logan Temple in 1963. They remained residents of Green River for most of their lives. Following the death of Bennett Anderson in 1973, she married Eldred G. Toone in Salt Lake City and resided in Bountiful, Utah until his death in 1992. For the last two years, she has resided in the home of her daughter in Hawaii. She was an active member of the LDS Church and also active in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She played the organ for many years for the LDS Church. She had a great sense of humor and was energetic and always ready for adventure. She was very devoted to her family. Gertrude is survived by her three children: Charles Hugh Anderson (Rusty) of St. George; B. Ray Anderson (Marge) of Newport Beach, CA; and Alice Jean Akau (Edward) of Pearl City, Oahu, Hawaii; and by 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Lee Boyd Fenton and Charles Francis Fenton, and by one sister, Clara May Beebe. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 11, 1997 at 1 p.m. at the LDS 2nd Ward chapel in Green River. Friends may also call Tuesday at the LDS 2nd Ward for a viewing from 11 to 12:30 p.m. Interment, Riverview Cemetery. Funeral arranged by Vase Funeral Home, Green River, WY.
URAM, Andrew -- veteran employee of the Union Pacific Coal company at Rock Springs, who died Thursday was laid to final rest Satufday in St. Josephs cemetery. Funeral services were conducted in the North Side Catholic church at 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Uram, who was born in Czecho-Slovakia, April 15, 1871 had resided here more than 30 years. Prominent among his country people, he belonged to several Slavic societies, and was also a member of the U. M. W. A. and of the Union Pacific Old Timers association.
His wife died several years ago. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Anne Varney, of Salt Lake, three sons, Pete Uram of Winton, Mike Uram and John Uram of Rock Springs. Salt Lake Tribune Sunday March 18, 1934
URWIN, William F. 51 of Salt Lake City a former resident of Rock Springs died Tuesday May 9, 1972 at Salt Lake City. He was born in Rock Springs October 15, 1920, the son of Joseph and Mildred Blanch Urwin. He was an automobile mechanic. He is survived by his mother Mildred Stowe of Green River; three brothers Elmer Leo and Leonard Dee, both of Salt Lake, and John Henry, of Erie, ILL. Five sisters, Mrs. Norma Booth of Salt Lake, Mrs. Harold F. (Frances) Carlos of Eagle River, Alaska, Mrs. Adrain Liddell of Tooele, Utah, Mrs. Albert (Edna) Poeef of Dillon, Mont.; and Mrs. Ray D. (Margaret) Johnson of Murray, Utah. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Francom and Smith Mortuary in Green River the Rev. Carl Krusi officiating. Burial will be in Mountain View section of Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery [Submitted by Pat White]
VALVEY, Miss Bessie, of Eighth street, Wyoming, died at her home in that town last night, after a short Illness. She is survived by the following children Mary, Arthur, Rose, John, Catherine at home; Mrs. Thomas Ratchford, Duryea: Mrs. Harry Kleinfelter, Cleveland, O., and the following brothers and sister, George and Arthur McDonald, Sugar Notch; John McDonald, Wyoming, and Mrs. Michael Riley, of SugarNotch. [Source: Wilkes-Barre Times December 11, 1911]
VANVALKENBURG Galen T., 81, of Rock Springs, died on Monday, March 21, 2005, at the Sage View Care Center. A resident of Rock Springs since 1973 and former resident of Oregon, VanValkenburg died following a lengthy illness. He was born on Nov. 4, 1923, in Rock Springs, the son of Galen and Florence Reese VanValkenburg. VanValkenburg attended schools in Rock Springs. He married Winifred Pitchford in Rock Springs on Oct. 19, 1946. VanValkenburg was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was employed by the Blacksmith Boilermakers Union and worked as a welder for 20 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, Young-at-Heart Senior Citizens Center, lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Young-at-Heart Senior Rhythm Band and Local 182 Blacksmith Boilermaker Union. His interests included wood carving, hunting, fishing, making ornamental iron, and rock hunting. He was an artist and spent time with his family at their cabin in Boulder. Survivors include his wife, Wini VanValkenburg of Rock Springs; two sons, Paul VanValkenburg and wife Darlene and Terry Lynn VanValkenburg and wife Sandy, all of Green River; three brothers, Albert VanValkenburg of West Allis, Wis., Robert VanValkenburg of Rock Springs and Howard VanValkenburg and wife Jean of Rock Springs; two sisters, Jane Ann VanValkenburg of Ogden, Utah, and Mary Koritnik and husband Joe of Cheyenne; three grandchildren, Kim Goins, Corey VanValkenburg and Steve VanValkenburg; three great-grandchildren, Dwayne Andrew, Amanda Andrew and Devon VanValkenburg; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister Eva Tolar and her husband Bill. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2005, at the First Congregational Church, 1275 Adams Ave., Rock Springs. The Rev. Harvey Joyner will conduct the services. Military graveside services and interment will be conducted by the American Legion Archie Hay Post No. 24 at the Mountain View Section of the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery. Friends may call at the Vase Funeral Chapel, 154 Elk St., Rock Springs, Sunday from 2-8 p.m. and again Monday morning at the church one hour prior to services.
VEHAR, Fred E., 42, of Rock Springs, deputy county assessor of Sweetwater county and widely known dance band leader died at Sweetwater County Memorial hospital Wednesday of injuries sustained early Sunday morning on the Lincoln highway entering the east end of the city. His physician said immediate cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage induced by injuries suffered in the car wreck.
He with two other members of his band, who escaped uninjured were returning from playing in Superior in Vehars car. The car reportedly skidded on icy pavement opposite the Southern Wyoming Utilities Power Co. plant, and overturned, pinning Vehar. He suffered a fractured leg, skull fracture and internal injuries. He never recovered complete consciousness. Born in Austria he came to Rock Springs as a boy with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Math Vehar. He had been deputy county assessor since 1937. Past president of the Rock Springs 351 Fraternal Order of the Eagles, he was also a member of the Woodmen of the World, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, an S.N.P.J. in which he had held various offices. As member of a musicians union he had active part in labor organizations.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife, Mary Ferlic Vehar, three daughters, Patricia, Mary Katherine and Joan all of Rock Springs, three brothers, Ervin J. Vehar, Green River electrical contractor, and Robert and Math Jr. of Rock Springs.
Funeral services are to be held at the North Side Catholic church in Rock Springs 9:30 a.m. Saturday, burial in the St. Josephs cemetery under direction of Rogan mortuary. [Salt Lake Tribune, Thursday, January 15, 1948]
VLADIMORE, Gravan
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo., Nov. 24. – A sad accident occurred on Friday morning resulting in the death of a little boy, Gravan Vladimore. The little fellow was only three years of age and lived with his grandmother on East Flat. About 10 o’clock he wandered from the yard and on search being made his body was found lying in Bitter Creek. It was 1:30 when the body was found and the child had been dead for some time. The doctor stated that the lungs were not filled with water but that the little boy had died from the chill. His mother is in Colorado and she was at once informed of the sad occurrence. [Wyoming State Tribune – Cheyenne State Leader (25 Nov. 1919) - MZ - Sub by FoFG]
