Michael Wuertz Brelsford: 1957 – 2023
Michael “Mike” Wuertz Brelsford received his angel wings on May 8, 2023 at Banner WMC. Mike was born November 12, 1957 in Boise, Idaho to parents Janet and James Brelsford,
At the age of 11, Mike had to have an open heart surgery to replace a heart valve. He said he was the first child to have open heart surgery in Idaho. Then, at 13 another open heart surgery was needed to replace that valve.
Mike moved to Pasadena, graduated culinary school there and went to work at Benji’s Restaurant. He had fond memories of that job. After 12 years in Southern California Mike moved to Colorado Springs and opened two restaurants. This is where Mike met his first wife Sue and together they had a son Nicholas. They divorced. Wanting a change, Mike and his brother Jay opened a ChemDry carpet cleaning business in Phoenix. Back to Colorado Springs Mike went and worked laying carpet and tile. A good friend offered him a job to oversee his ranch in Glendo, Wyoming. And, the next chapter in Mike’s life started. He learned to put up hay, deliver calves and ride a horse. Thanksgiving 2000 Mike was flying to Boise and he met his future wife Mary Anne at the Casper Airport as she was headed to Boise also. And, as they say, the rest is history. Mike moved to Casper. He worked a short time at Meals and Wheels until he started a 12 year career at Rio Algom, now Cameco Resources uranium mine. Mike became a Meals on Wheels volunteer. Another major heart surgery forced Mike into early retirement in 2015. Mike was an extrovert so he missed seeing and talking to people. His mother-in-law passed away from cancer so he and his wife started volunteering as an Angel at WMC Foundation. Mike would say he was an “archangel”. This then lead to Mike becoming a WMC volunteer at their information desk, escort and 3rd floor surgery desk, where he brightened the lives of many people. After Covid, he concentrated his WMC volunteering on 3rd floor surgery. It was a perfect fit. Mike went through a lot of surgeries besides the 3 open-heart surgeries he had every joint in his body replaced and one even twice – our bionic man. Because of this Mike was compassionate, loving and empathetic. You could see this as he comforted patients, patient families and staff. He loved helping out even during Covid. He lent a helping hand to his friends at Dan’s Meat by wrapping meat and he volunteered extra at Meal on Wheels carrying bags to the driver cars.
Mike so loved his family. He also loved to golf, Kansas City Chiefs, his country, conservatism and creating culinary dishes. He was able to mark a few things off his bucket list– went to England & Scotland were he got to walk across the 18th hole bridge at St. Andrews. Also, he got to see his beloved Chiefs at Arrowhead 3 times & twice in Vegas and golf in Hawaii.
Mike just received The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for over 4,000 volunteer hours at Banner WMC. He also received WMC Volunteer of the Year award, Angel Volunteer of the Year award. At Meals and Wheels, he received his 20 years of service pin, Work Horse award and Genevieve Price award. He said volunteering was “A Daily Dose of Humbling”.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary Anne; brother Jay; sisters Chris (Chris), Lynn (Allen); brother-in-law Fritz (Marci); sister-in-law (Sherri); granddaughter Madi; grandson Levi; 2 nephews; 6 nieces; great-nieces and great-nephews, and cousin-in-law Roy (Mary). He loved you all very, very much.
Mike was preceded in death by both parents; both in-laws; son; grandparents; uncle and his beloved dogs Dezi and Brin.
Our ray of sunshine. He always had a smile on this face and if you’d ask him how he was and he’d say “I’m Happy ,You Happy,” or “We Happy”.
Mike’s last act of volunteering was to be an organ & tissue donor.
I want to give a special thank you to the ICU staff at Banner for the wonderful, loving care they gave Mike, his family and me.
There will be a Funeral Service and Celebration of Mike’s life on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Three Crowns Golf Club, 1601 King Blvd, Casper, WY 82604.
Gary Wayne “Butch” Gilbert: 1940 – 2023
Gary Wayne “Butch” Gilbert was born April 20, 1940 in Havre, Montana to Andrew F. and Frances M. (Hellmann) Gilbert, the middle of three children. Following his high school graduation in Montana, Gary attended the University of Great Falls, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Gary had a passion for learning, attending the University of Chicago and the University of Montana earning a Master’s degree in Education. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Montana School of Law. He practiced law in Montana until an opportunity to teach Latin in Casper, Wyoming presented itself.
Gary married Karen Reid in Great Falls, Montana. They have four sons, Thomas, John, James, and Andrew. They later divorced. Gary moved to Casper and married Holly Housholder in 1990. They have two children, Luke and Madison, his only daughter. Gary enjoyed reading, writing, and fishing. He instilled similar qualities and passions in his children. Following his retirement in 2013, Gary enjoyed spending time at home with his family and doing home improvement projects, some with more success than others. He continued to support his children in their academic endeavors.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Donna Noble.
He is survived by his wife, Holly; children, Thomas (Deb); John (Kari); James (Kellie); Andrew (Katie); Luke; and Madison Gilbert; brother, Larry (Leanne) Gilbert; ten grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is planning a private Celebration of Life this summer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a Parkinson’s Disease foundation or research organization of your choice.
Lawrence Wade Laceby: 1964 – 2023
Lawrence “Larry” Wade Laceby, 58, passed away on May 7th, 2023 at home surrounded by family.
He was born June 16th, 1964, in Casper, Wyoming to Sharon and Larry Laceby. Lawrence is preceded in death by his father Larry Laceby and granddaughter Destiny.
He is survived by his children, Christina Laceby and Samantha(Samuel) Johnson; his brother, Joseph Laceby; his mother, Sharon Laceby; and 5 grandchildren: Keounia, Rhylee, Tessa, Kayla and Avery.
Lawrence attended and graduated from Owasso High School in 1982, was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and worked as an auto mechanic for many years. He loved his work, always finding things to add to his collections, and of course his animals. Lawrence spent his life helping others and wouldn’t have had it any other way.
He will be deeply missed by family, friends and all that knew him. The memorial service celebrating Lawrence’s life will be held Saturday, May 27th, at 2:00 p.m. with Bustard & Jacoby Funerals at 600 CY Ave, Casper.
The family wishes to express their thanks for the many kindnesses, prayers and sympathies extended during this time.
Joseph Robert Marquez: 1951 – 2023
Joseph Robert Marquez blessed this earth for 71 years. He was born on December 26, 1951, in Casa Colorada, New Mexico to Juan Jose and Maria Anunsa Marquez. Now taken by God on May 8, 2023, at his home in Casper, Wyoming.
Robert is survived by his wife, Mary Marquez, and his son, Juan Jose Marquez II. Also, by his many grandchildren and his great grandson, Zayden Marquez.
Robert was a devoted husband and a man of many accomplishments. He was most proud of serving the United States Marine Corps. He loved to hunt and go fishing and was extremely talented at shooting darts. Robert was also a loyal Gold Legacy member of the VFW Post 9439.
Robert and Mary experienced life as one and had opportunities to see and live in many cities and states of this great country, memories he was able to take with him.
Robert was diagnosed with neuropathy and diabetes in 2014, then kidney disease a year and a half ago. Knowing eventually this would be what would take him, he lived everyday to the fullest, no regrets.
Roberts final days were spent with his loving wife Mary by his side and his son Juan. He is at peace now and has gifted us a full heart to share.
There will be a time of visitation on Monday, May 22, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. Military Honors will be held at Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery immediately following the service.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Oliver: 1948 – 2023
Jacqueline “Jackie” Grace Oliver, born October 7, 1948, passed away on March 7, 2023, was born to Jack and Lois Werner in Douglas, Wyoming. Jackie grew up on the 55 Ranch on old Highway 55 between Glenrock and Douglas and learned the way of ranch life. From branding to docking, Jackie didn’t shy away from the hard work or long days. After graduating from Glenrock High School, she left the ranch to move to Casper, where she attended beauty school. She met Gary Oliver, and they wed on December 21, 1969. They moved back to Glenrock in 1978, where they built their dream home and raised their boys, Brent, Clint, and Justin. Jackie filled her days chasing her free-range boys, driving them (plus their friends) to sports, the lake, on dates, and most other tasks without hesitation.
Jackie loved to bake and cook. Growing up on a ranch meant she prepared enough to feed the town. She was able to bake by feel and never used a measuring cup or scale. Jackie could throw a look in someone’s direction, and you could tell by the glint in her eye what was coming your way, whether a lecture or praises. She loved birdwatching and squirrels and spent plenty of time watching them play. Jackie was a caring mother and loyal friend.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Gary Oliver. Jackie is survived by her sons Brent, Clint, Justin (Kaylene and Bodhi); her two older brothers Jon(Jodi) Werner and Carl Werner; brother-in-law, Lon(Maria) Oliver; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Bustard & Jacoby on June 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.
Jennielyn Shaw: 1939 – 2023
Jennielynn Shaw , 84, of Casper, Wyoming passed away on May 12 in Casper, Wyoming surrounded by her daughters.
“Jenny” was born February 17, 1939 in Long Beach, California to Kathleen and Leonard Bubb. In 1959 she married Melvin Shaw but later divorced. They had two daughters Tonya McCall and Terrie Shaw. She spent most of her lifetime as a bartender before she retired from the Horseshoe Bar where she had worked for close to 20 years. She loved to party with her Captain Morgan and Coke. Her presence in the room was obvious to everyone. She was always up for a nice evening socializing with her friends, watching TV and spending time with her family. She is loved by many and her stories will forever be remembered and shared.
Jenny is survived by her daughters Terrie Shaw and Tonya McCall of Casper, Wyoming and her grandchildren: Kyle McCall, Nicole McCall, Chloe Savage, Lyla Shaw and great-grandson Jordan McCall-Sneathen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kathleen and Leonard Bubb; Marilyn, her sister, and a grandson.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home. The family would like to invite everyone to join them for a reception following services at the VFW.
Shirley Anderson Toomey: 1929 – 2023
Shirley Anderson Toomey was born on September 19, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minnesota and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 16, 2023 at Life Care Center in Casper, Wyoming. Shirley was the daughter of Oscar and Laura Anderson, and had a blissful childhood growing up in Minneapolis and spending summers at the family cabin in northern Minnesota. Shirley loved all animals and especially loved riding horses while growing up. She was a gifted artist from a young age and obtained a bachelor’s degree in art from Grinnell College in Iowa in 1951. It was also at Grinnell that she met her husband, Bill, and they married in 1951. They enjoyed 62 happy years together until Bill died in 2013. The couple settled in Madison, Wisconsin, where they raised their family and became avid University of Wisconsin Badger fans. They were also dedicated members of Westminster Presbyterian Church for many years.
In 1974 the couple built a cabin in Waushara County, Wisconsin, where the family enjoyed the lake life on weekends. Shirley was passionate about nature, especially birds, and she shared this passion with her children.
Shirley maintained many lifelong friendships, especially in Madison. She and Bill loved to play bridge and socialize as well as travel, especially with the Badger teams in their later years. They made many visits to their daughters in Texas and Wyoming, and Shirley adored her grandchildren. She passed on to all of us a deep love for cats, nature, swimming, and reading.
She laughed easily and was an eternal optimist, even in her later years with chronic pain and mobility issues. Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker. She volunteered at Madison General Hospital/Meriter and Oakwood Lutheran Homes as well as other community organizations. She loved to bake at Christmas and passed on many of her family’s Norwegian recipes. She was a beautiful, humble person who never said a mean word about anyone.
Shirley moved to Casper, Wyoming in January 2022, to be closer to her daughter, Joanne and was very happy to be able to meet her great-grandson, Luca, who was born in Casper in January 2023.
Shirley is survived by her daughters Barbara Toomey-Martin of Austin, Texas and Joanne Theobald (Ted) of Casper, Wyoming; her grandchildren Allison (Ryan) Renton, Max (Sierra) Renton, Rachel Theobald, and Hannah Theobald; four great-grandchildren; her niece Shelley (Clark) Emerick; and her nephew, Robert (Betsy) Wood, as well as several great-nieces-and-nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her sons Steven and Don, her son-in-law Frank Martin, as well as her parents and one sister, Marjorie.
The family wishes to thank Shirley’s many caregivers at Oakwood Lutheran Home in Madison and at Life Care Center in Casper, Wyoming. You all enriched her life and provided her with compassionate and dignified care during the last ten years of her life. We are forever grateful.
The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date. Memorial donations in Shirley’s name can be made to any local Audubon Society or Humane Society, in recognition of her great love for all creatures, great and small.
Carol Ann Weixel: 1944 – 2023
Carol Ann Weixel (née Klein), 79, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on May 12, 2023, in Casper.
Carol was born in Fredonia, North Dakota, to Jakob and Clara Klein (nee Shurr) on March 21, 1944. She overcame major odds of the time when she had a baby at 15 years old. Everyone wanted her to give the baby up for adoption, but she refused. She kept and raised her son while finishing school, thanks to a kind teacher who taught her at night. She went on to be very successful, working for and retiring from Chrysler Financial, proving wrong all the people who told her she’d be ruining her life by keeping her baby.
Carol is survived by her husband of 49-1/2 years, Jim Weixel of Casper; son Kevin (Lisa) Schultes of Casper; son Keith (Jennifer) Schultes of Florida; granddaughter Jennifer R. (Tony) Stedillie (nee Schultes) of Casper; grandson Jacob (Amber) Schultes of Oregon; great-grandsons Kevin Cousineau and Victor Stedillie of Casper and Logan and James Schultes of Oregon; great-granddaughter Vivienne Stedillie of Casper; as well as beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Donna Klein, Joan Wolfe, LeOtta Michel and Luella Boelter.
Carol loved farms, barns and Minneapolis Moline tractors. She loved her dogs, donkeys, chickens, Wyoming and was damn proud to be an American. She was the “little old lady” you may have seen bombing around in her lime green Challenger. Believe it or not, she never got a ticket — despite many warnings. More than anything, she fiercely loved her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. June 3, 2023, at Wellsprings Church, 801 S. Beverly St.
Carol was an amazing and extremely strong woman. It is very difficult for her family and friends to say goodbye. She will forever be missed and never forgotten. Her strength will live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond.
