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Pearl Craft
Pearl Craft, 99, of Buffalo died Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at Amie Holt Care Center in Buffalo. Visitation is 1-9 p.m. Tuesday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel with the Rev. Nancy Brooks officiating. Burial with graveside services will follow in Willow Grove cemetery. Born June 25, 1909, in Barnum to Dennis and Mary Ann Rinker, she grew up and attended country school in Barnum. She attended high school two years in Kaycee and two years in Buffalo, graduating in 1928 from Johnson County High School. She worked on the family ranch and married
Clarence Simmons on Feb. 11, 1931, in Buffalo. They ranched in southern Johnson County on Steel Creek for many years, later purchasing a ranch on Clear Creek north of Buffalo, where they ranched for 12 years. In 1957 they retired and moved into Buffalo. Mr. Simmons died in August 1972. She married
Ray Craft in 1979. They lived in Buffalo. Mr. Craft died in June 1988. She continued living in Buffalo and was a resident of Amie Holt Care Center for the past five years. She was a member of Royal Neighbors and American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 90 in Kaycee; an organizer of the 49’ers dance club; the first secretary for Farm Bureau in Johnson County; belonged to several square dance clubs and was a square dance caller; and was a 4-H leader for many years. She was known as an excellent cook and seamstress, making Western shirts for her family and friends. She was preceded in death by seven brothers, six sisters and a foster brother. Survivors include a son, Robert Simmons of Morristown, Ariz.; two daughters, Marie Robinson and Velma Streeter, both of Kaycee; 10n grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may benefit Hoof Prints of the Past Museum in care of Adams Funeral Home, 351 N. Adams, Buffalo, WY 82834.
Pearl T. Johnson
Pearl Tenora Johnson, 94, of Rochester, Minn., died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester of complications from sepsis and gangrene.
She was mother of Marvin V. Johnson and LuAnn Kurpjuweit, both of Sheridan. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Rock Dell, Minn., with burial in the church cemetery. Viewing will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester and at the church one hour before the funeral. Born Jan. 7, 1915, in Lake Mills, Iowa, to Ole and Tilda Peterson, she married
Ingvald C. Johnson on March 15, 1934, in Scarville, Iowa. They lived in the Scarville and Joice, Iowa, area until they moved to Racine, Minn., in 1936. In the mid-1940s, she cooked for her husband's threshing crew. In 1950, she and her husband purchased the Corner Cafe in Wykoff, Minn., where she was the chef. In 1951, they moved to a farm north of Rock Dell and lived there until 1967, when she moved to Rochester after her husband died. She worked at the Town House Restaurant until 1972, when she went to work for IBM as an assembler until retiring in 1981. Since retirement, she enjoyed traveling in the United States, visiting family, playing bingo, and making cookies for restaurants and neighborhood children. She always had a big garden and enjoyed canning everything. She was known for her Sunday dinners and opening her home to friends and strangers. She was a member of East St. Olaf Lutheran Church since 1951. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one grandchild, one step-grandchild, and seven brothers and sisters. In addition to her son and daughter, survivors include six other children, El Dean Johnson of Duluth, Minn., LaMar Johnson of Zumbro Falls, Minn., Larry K. Johnson, Paraleen Pew, and Sandee Johnson, all of Rochester, and Royal Johnson of Stewartville, Minn.; 24 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; 19 step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.
Emogene Johnson
Emogene Johnson, 93, of Sheridan died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, in her home. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Phil Wold officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal cemetery with arrangements by Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Born May 18, 1915, in Arnold, Neb., to Harry and Dora (Moffitt) Leland, she was raised by an aunt, grandmother and later a stepmother after age 6, when her mother died. She came to Sheridan in 1928 and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1933. She married
Knute Holger Johnson in 1936 in the Episcopal Church in Sheridan. She was a homemaker and kept books for the couple’s construction company. She was a member of Big Goose Community Women's Club and Lower Big Goose Homemakers. An active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, she taught Sunday school for 25 years, was a member of the Prayer Chain, Jail Ministry, Women's Groups and taught Bible class for senior citizens. She enjoyed reading, writing letters and praying for other people. She was known for her smile and sense of humor, and her greatest love was giving to others and sharing Jesus' love. She was preceded in death by her husband; two sisters, Eco Billings and Iris Hart; a brother, John Leland; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. Survivors include four sons, Larry and Dean of Sheridan, Knute of Gillette and Steven of Glenrock; two daughters, Penelope Funkhouser of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Emmy Lou Gies of Casper; 25 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. Memorials may benefit Trinity Lutheran Church for Heartbeat International Ministries.
Wade Timothy ‘Tim’ Johnson
Wade Timothy “Tim” Johnson, 46, of Basin, formerly of Ranchester, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, in Basin. Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at Grace Seventh Baptist Church in Greybull. A celebration of life will be 4 p.m. Sunday at the Silver Spur in Ranchester. Attendees may bring a dish to share. Born Nov. 21, 1962, in Minot, N.D., he attended school in Minot, graduating from high school in California. During his lifetime he lived in North Dakota, California, Minnesota, Washington and Wyoming — places where there were good hunting and fishing opportunities. He especially enjoyed pheasant hunting with his dogs. He also enjoyed football and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, driving to games in the Twin Cities or, when coverage was not available locally, to areas where games were televised. He worked as a truck driver for most of his career, including 10 years for Ron’s L.P. Gas in Sheridan and most recently at the bentonite mine in Greybull. Survivors include his father, Vernon Johnson of Minnesota; his mother, Cecilia Hammond of Cody; two brothers, Alan of Washington and Lanny of Wyoming; a sister, Sandra Kelly of Washington; two stepsons, Jim and Dan Johnson of Ranchester; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Robert D. (Bob) Wilson
Robert D. (Bob) Wilson, 96, of Sheridan, died Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at Westview Health Care Center. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be at First Presbyterian Church in the spring. Arrangements are with Kane Funeral Home. Born Jan. 1, 1913, to L. Pearl Wilson and Earl B. Wilson, he graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1933. He moved to Minnesota for work and met Leila B. Folk. They were married
in Fairmont, Minn., July 5, 1942. The couple moved to Miles City, Mont., where Mr. Wilson worked for the radio station. In 1949, they moved to Sheridan, where he worked for KWYO Radio. His career in broadcasting spanned nearly 50 years, and he received many honors including induction into the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. As news director for KWYO, he was involved with the Sheridan community serving on many boards and committees promoting local activities. Mr. Wilson was active in Rotary after joining in 1949. He attended First Presbyterian Church and directed its choir for 44 years. He was preceded in death by his wife; two sisters, Margaret Benesh and Murial Brannon; and a brother, Bernard Wilson. Survivors include three niece, three nephews, and 20 great-nieces and -nephews. Memorials may benefit First Presbyterian Church, 2121 Colonial Drive, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Peggy Ann Buss
Peggy Ann Buss, 64, of Sheridan, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, in Billings Clinic Hospital of cancer, according to family. No services are planned. Born Feb. 13, 1944, in Sheridan to Evelyn “Peggy” and E.C. “Bud” Wolfe, she attended Sheridan schools until she married
Denton L. Buss of Sheridan. The couple moved to Riverton, where Mrs. Buss attended the community college. She co-owned and operated Teton Well Service/CRC Teton Inc. and Teton Athletic Club with her husband for more than 20 years. She attended the Boulder School of Massage Therapy and opened a practice in Sheridan in 2001. She enjoyed golf and was a board director of the Wyoming State Golf Association. She enjoyed reading, quilting, knitting and bowling. She was known as warm-hearted and generous. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Kristy Boshard of Lander and Deni Buss of Portland, Ore.; two sisters, Kay Pittman of Sheridan and Pat Klinkosh of Wyola, Mont.; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Kelly Schreibeis Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 6786, Sheridan, WY 82801.
George N. Klepinger
George N. Klepinger, 84, of Sheridan died Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is planned in the summer. Born July 5, 1924, in Red Oak, Iowa, to John W. and Elva (Glandon) Klepinger, he moved to Wyoming in 1937, graduating from Big Horn High School in 1943. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II, returning to Sheridan, where he began long-term employment with Western Airlines. Music was his passion, and he played guitar and sang with numerous bands in Sheridan and Billings. For 11 years he entertained patrons at The Ranch at Ucross. He loved his Pomeranian dog, Cindy. He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, Mike; and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include a son, Kenneth of Juneau, Alaska; a sister, Mildred Carroll of Sheridan; and three granddaughters. Memorials may benefit Sheridan Senior Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.
Ken Buxton
Ken Buxton, 82, of Buffalo, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Visitation is 1-9 p.m. today and 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. at Adams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tom Saur officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow in Willow Grove cemetery. Charles Kenneth “Bucky” Buxton was born June 18, 1926, in Buffalo to Charles and Lulu Buxton. He grew up and attended school in Buffalo and graduated from Johnson County High School in 1944. After high school he worked on various ranches in the county including the Brug Ranch on Clear Creek and the Art Esponda Ranch. He later went to work for the Guyton Ranch until he retired. Mr. Buxton enjoyed ranch work, especially irrigating. He was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister. Survivors include one sister, Edith Sarver of Buffalo; and a brother, Warren Buxton of Los Alamos, N.M. Memorials may benefit the Buffalo Senior Center or Buffalo Life Line in care of Adams Funeral Home, 351 N. Adams Ave., Buffalo WY 82834.
Clair Darrah
Clair Darrah, 91, of Buffalo, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Visitation is 1-9 p.m. Wednesday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Thursday with the Rev. Connie Cranston officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow in Willow Grove cemetery. Born Aug. 4, 1917, in Absarokee, Mont., to Cloyd and Anna Belle Darrah, he grew up in Absarokee and went to the Buck Creek School. He worked on various area ranches and helped build Fort Peck Dam. He married
May Birdsall on March 6, 1937, in Billings. They made their home in Absarokee, where he worked in the chrome mine. He joined the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines and Guam during World War II. After the war, he owned and operated a saw mill in the Pryor Mountains. In 1950 the couple bought a ranch in Ryegate, Mont., where they lived for many years. In 1972 they bought a ranch in Ashland, Mont., where they lived until retirement in 1997. They moved to Buffalo and also owned a home in Quartzsite, Ariz., where they spent winters for 28 years. Mr. Darrah enjoyed ranching, playing cards, reading Louie Lamour, playing horseshoes, desert golf and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Donna Mortenson of Buffalo and Fern Schreder of Pueblo, Colo.; a sister, Viola Payer of Billings; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may benefit the Buffalo Senior Center in care of Adams Funeral Home, 351 N. Adams Ave., Buffalo, WY 82834.
Lawrence L. ‘Larry’ White
Lawrence L. "Larry" White, 78, of Sheridan, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, in Sheridan VA Medical Center of Parkinson’s disease. A private memorial service will be held later in Buffalo. Born Sept. 10, 1930, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Stanley and Myra White, he moved with his family to Lakewood, N.J., where he grew up and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1949. In 1951, he joined the Navy and while stationed in Jacksonville, Fla., met Rita Warrell. They married
in December 1952. In 1955, he left the Navy and enrolled at the University of Florida, where he lettered in track and cross country and was a member of the undefeated 1956 Southeastern Conference champion track team. After graduating in 1959, he went into the Army, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He served in both the 82nd Airborne Division and 1st Special Forces unit, with three tours of duty in Vietnam and one in Korea. In 1971 he returned to Gainesville, Fla., where he was assigned to the ROTC unit at the university. He retired from the Army in 1975. He taught at Buchholz High School in Gainesville and was dean of students and assistant football coach under Jesse Heard and head track and cross country coach. He was then employed at Eastside High School in Gainesville, working as dean of students, athletic director, head football coach and assistant track coach. He loved the years he spent coaching and working with students. After retirement, he lived in Gainesville, Hutchinson Island, and St. Augustine, Fla., dividing his time between golf and fishing. He moved to Buffalo in 1992, where he enjoyed the mountains, hiking and fishing. He was preceded in death by his wife; a brother, Stanley; and a sister, Dorothy. Survivors include a daughter, Catherine Darcy of Missoula, Mont.; three sons, Michael of Birmingham, Ala., Steven of Juno Beach, Fla., and David of Gainesville; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Vicki Yalowizer
Vicki Yalowizer, 57, of Decker, Mont., died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009, at her residence. Memorial services will be private with arrangements by Kane Funeral Home. Mrs. Yalowizer was born Oct. 19, 1951, to Virgil and Donna Gardner at the family home in Pine River, Minn. She graduated from Pequot Lakes (Minn.) High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business and psychology. She married
her longtime high school friend, David Yalowizer, in Ranchester on July 29, 1998. Her favorite time of day was “happy hour” when she got to be with her friends. She also enjoyed the mountains, four-wheeling, fishing, and her animals. She was known for a great sense of humor and, as a Minnesota Vikings fan, loved to tease her brothers-in-law about the Denver Broncos losing games. Mrs. Yalowizer was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Lonnie Gardner; and her previous spouse, Greg Johnson. She is survived by her husband of Sheridan; a son, Joe Yalowizer of Sheridan; her stepfather, Claude Schmidt of Pequot Lakes; three brothers, Sparky Gardner, Steve Schmidt, and Scott Schmidt; two sisters, Kathlene Gardner and Terry Bratt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
David Ellsworth Nelson
David Ellsworth Nelson, 54, of Sheridan died Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Viewing will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with George Tellez officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal cemetery. Mr. Nelson was born Oct. 22, 1954, in Sheridan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, backpacking, the shooting range, reading, travel and the mountains. It was said he had a charismatic personality and unique, loving laugh. He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew L.G. Nelson, and his father, Lonnie Nelson. Survivors include his wife, Kelley; three stepdaughters, Amy, Amber and Autumn; two brothers, Steve Nelson and Jason Lonabaugh; his mother, Jeanie Lonabaugh, and stepfather, Gene Lonabaugh; and nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may benefit the David E. Nelson Memorial Fund, c/o First Interstate Bank, Attn: Margaret Sare, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Lana Spitzenberger
Lana Spitzenberger, 59, of Buffalo, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, at Johnson County Healthcare Center in Buffalo. Graveside services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Willow Grove cemetery in Buffalo with Pastor John Constantine officiating. Born July 22, 1949, in Carlton, Minn., to Josephine and Robert Lee, she grew up and attended school in Carlton, where she met her husband, Robert. They were married
Sept. 5, 1979, in Deltona, Fla. In 1980 the couple made their home in Buffalo, where she worked several years as a bookkeeper at First National Bank. She spent the remainder of her time at home raising her sons. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert E. Lee II. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Lee and Cody Spitzenberger of Buffalo; two sisters, Linda DeCaigny of Cloquet, Minn., and Brenda Edwards of Roseville, Calif.; two brothers, Tom Lee of Cloquet and Jody Lee of Pearl River, La.; and her stepfather, Ken Bassett of Roseville. Donations may be made to help with funeral expenses c/o Adams Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams Ave., Buffalo, WY 82834.
Betty Jean Stenseng
Betty Jean Stenseng, 84, of Buffalo, died Monday, December 29, 2008, at Johnson County Healthcare Center. Funeral services were this morning at Adams Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Saur officiating. Burial was in Willow Grove cemetery. Born Nov. 1, 1924, in Chicago to Herman H. and Olga Dahl Sorem, she graduated from Schurz High School in 1942 and attended DePaul University. She worked as a secretary for the American Library Association, the Toni Co., and Newberg Construction Co. I0n 1951, she married
Leonard R. Stenseng and helped him run their sign and advertising business in Bellwood, Ill. In 1972, the family moved to Buffalo, where she continued to help in their sign business. She was known as a bright, cheerful person who lifted the spirits of all around her. She was preceded in death by a grandson. Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Stenseng of Arvada, Colo.; a son, Lee Stenseng of Miles City, Mont.; and a grandson. Memorials may benefit Amie Holt Care Center in care of Adams Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams Ave., Buffalo, WY 82834
Jesse James Gorman Jr.
Former Sheridan resident Jesse James Gorman Jr., 73, of Ballantine, Mont., died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, of complications from paralysis, according to family members.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Smith Downtown Chapel of Billings. Born May 17, 1935, in Kearney, Neb., to Jesse and Josephine (Palmer) Gorman, he attended school in Sheridan, where he participated in numerous sports including basketball, football and track. He earned a scholarship in track. After graduating in 1954, he joined the Navy, receiving an honorable discharge after seven months due to a hearing problem. He worked on ranches in Wyoming and Montana, then became a trapper for the state of Montana. He married
Minnetta Ahlgren Abbot on Feb. 28, 1966. The couple lived on Flat Willow Creek in Montana between Roundup and Grass Range until retirement in 1994. They moved to 40 acres near Ballantine. He was preceded in death by his wife. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth D. Abbott of Big Timber, Mont., and Richard D. Abbott of Kendrick, Idaho; a sister, Ruth (Gorman) Johnson of Sheridan; and four nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America.
