Aaron Matthew Briggs, 36, was taken from this world too soon on May 22, 2020, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Aaron was born in Cheyenne to Alena Briggs McHodgkins and Hector Perez on May 9, 1984. He was later adopted and raised by his grandfather, Harold Briggs, who became his primary father figure and role model. Aaron is survived in death by his three children, PJ, Hayla, and Preston Briggs; their mother and long-time companion Jessica Uresk; his grandfather, Harold Briggs; both of his biological parents; many cousins and aunts; as well as three siblings Teresa and Scott McHodgkins and Isaac Perez. He is preceded in death by his younger sister, Rachel McHodgkins.
Aaron was a fun-loving, humorous man with many talents. He was a grade A auto/diesel mechanic, a phenomenal father, and a generous guy who would do anything to help those he loved. He will be forever missed by his closest family and friends and certainly never forgotten.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Chapel at Schrader, Aragon, and Jacoby Funeral Home. Interment in Mountain View Memorial Park will be private.
Donations in Aaron’s memory may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/wjd2fg-aarons-funeral-expenses?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
Verona McChesney passed on May 24, 2020. Her parents were John Elmer Krause and Elizabeth McNealy Krause. Verona’s maternal grandparents Joseph H. and Sarah Jane McNealy were pioneer residents who homesteaded in Albany County in the 1890s southwest of Laramie, Wyoming.
Verona was born in Laramie, Wyoming on October 17, 1920. She attended grade school in Laramie and graduated from Laramie High School in 1938. She married William W. McChesney on January 23, 1946 at Gering, Nebraska, settling in Laramie. She and her husband moved from Laramie to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1953.
She was a Life Member of several civic and fraternal groups including Ladies Aux. to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2221 for 73 years, Laramie Rebekah Lodge #1 for 73 years, and Snowy Range Chapter #45 Order of Eastern Star for 68 years. She also served with the Parent Teachers Association for many years holding both local and state offices.
She retired from the State of Wyoming in October 1975.
Verona is survived by her son Donald E. and his wife Steffani McChesney of Fort Collins, Colorado, a grandson Evan Lee and his wife Amy, and one great-grandson Jack of Littleton, Colorado, and a nephew Kenneth O. and wife Alice Erickson.
Her husband preceded her in death in 2001. Her parents preceded her in death as did her only sister Velma Erickson, who preceded her in 1974.
Services will be held at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes, 1900 E. 19th Street, Cheyenne on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Thomas W. Aurand, 77, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
Thomas was born March 23, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, a son of the late Walter and Delphine (Wiesen) Aurand.
Thomas served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His many interests included golfing, boating, traveling, the Detroit Lions and animals, particularly cats and dogs. He will be remembered for a wonderful sense of humor and for his love of people.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Aurand; two children, Tamara Aurand and Christian Aurand; two bonus children, Michelle Garcia and Saul Mejia; and six grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Chapel at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home.
Shirley LaVonne (Beardsley) Koudele died peacefully May 24, 2020 in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the age of 89.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband Edward Koudele, son Robert (Connie) McCaslin of Cheyenne, son Mark (Laura) McCaslin of New Mexico, daughter Kim Scott of Cheyenne, brother Guy (Lavonne) Beardsley of Cheyenne. Nine grandchildren: Brad (Erin) McCaslin, Terri (Christian) Graham, Katie (Jason) Coonts, Shanna Barnhill, Aaron McCaslin, Michael McCaslin, Sam McCaslin, Jacole (Jimmy) Fierro, Michael Scott, Jacy Turner, and Shae (Rick) Risheill. Twelve great-grandchildren Gabrielle McCaslin, Kelton McCaslin, Bodey McCaslin, Adrian Graham, Uriah Graham, Jackson Coonts, Patrick Coonts, Colton Coonts, Kodi Coonts, Conner Scott, Ma’Naia Johnson, Onolina Johnson and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents James Daniel and Nellie Bly Beardsley , her siblings Albertia, Charlotte, Melvin, and Milton.
Shirley was born on October 29, 1930 in Anselmo, Nebraska. She graduated from Broken Bow High school in 1948. She married Edward Koudele on February 5, 1962. They raised all three kids in Sterling Colorado until they moved to Cheyenne Wyoming in 1970.
She was heavily involved with 4-H, Girl Scouts, East High Swimming, and Saddle Tramps. Before the term “professional woman” means what it means today, generations of women defined it much differently. Their professions were those of homemaker, caretaker, keeper of the flame of hope, love, and safety. Acknowledged, accepted and carried out these responsibilities so well for those they loved. Rarely did they receive the recognition of a job well done, the recognition that they deserved. Shirley was a teacher, a preacher and one heck of a gatekeeper. She was all of this to Bob and Mark before she married Ed, who allowed Shirley to be the professional woman she wanted to be. Shirley was devoted to her family, a defender of innocence and Mom to us all.
A Celebration of life is being held in a private ceremony in Cheyenne Tuesday, May 26, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Obituaries are a complimentary service of Cap City News. To submit an obit, email john@capcity.news.
