William “Bill” P. Rooney, 72 passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021 at his home in Cheyenne, WY. Billy was born on July 11, 1948 in Chadron, Nebraska to William M. and Patricia Rooney. Billy was the fifth of six children, one of two sons.
Billy married Barbara Jean Jensen on January 5, 1973 in Cheyenne. Billy attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and went on to serve in the Air National Guard during Vietnam. After his service, he worked for PPG Industries and opened his own painting business.
Billy then went on to lead construction at Cheyenne Medical Center as the Construction Supervisor for the new hospital addition and tower. Billy enjoyed painting, auto-body and construction, all serving as careers throughout his life. Billy was a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and was a Trustee at AmVets Post 10.
Billy didn’t know a stranger. He made friends wherever he went. He always wanted people to enjoy themselves and have a good time. Billy knew how to live life. He took everything in stride; head-on with a positive attitude. He was tough, but fair. Billy was a free spirit and the life of the party. He was charming and sweet and put people at ease.
Billy was kind and never hesitated to help others. Always a gentleman, he a good listener and a great friend. You could find Billy at the lake camping in the summer, and if he wasn’t there he was in the mountains. Billy taught all of his nieces and nephews how to waterski, great memories that they all carry with them to this day. Billy’s pride and joy in life was his family. He was happiest surrounded by his sons and grandchildren.
Billy was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, and parents, William M. and Patricia. He is survived by his sons, Wik (Crystal) and Casey (Ashley) Rooney, his grandchildren; Adriana, Jenny, Gage and Connor, his siblings and many nieces and nephews. No services will be held. Donations can be made in Billy’s honor at AmVets Post 10 in Cheyenne.
Obie Ronald “Ron” Pickelsimer, 77, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed away unexpectedly at his home in Cheyenne on Friday, January 1, 2021.
Ron was born July 11, 1943 in Casper, Wyoming, the son of the late Obie Pickelsimer and Doris Clark.
Ron served in the United States Air Force, enlisting on September 26, 1961 and completing his honorable service as Staff Sgt, E5 on July 1, 1966. He worked for Public Service Company/ Xcel Energy for 32 years and retired as a senior technician of load control, microwave communications and relaying. Upon retiring in 2000, he enjoyed good whiskey, good cigars and was a man of strong opinions. He loved the RV life, campfires and trail riding on his four wheeler. He was an avid Broncos fan, and would have definitely supported the recent management change, which he missed hearing by a matter of days.
Ron is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Amanda (Ziemer) Pickelsimer; daughter, Amanda Lynn Lapierre and husband, Ray; two granddaughters, Emily Lynn Andresen and Hannah Dale Andresen; and sister, Donna Olheiser.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family. Cremation is under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ron to the Wyoming Wildlife Foundation at wyomingwildlifefoundation.org.
Lauren Mark Stewart, 86, of Cheyenne passed away January 2, 2021 at Davis Hospice Center.
He was born May 10, 1934 in Denver to Harry and Rachel Stewart. He married Gloria Hurst on March 18, 1961 in Denver. He was a Veterinarian/Epidemiologist for the USDA for 43 years.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Stewart of Cheyenne; children Deanna Thomas of Lakewood, CO and Richard Stewart of Cheyenne; grandchildren, Josh, Porsha, Ashley, Sean and Riley; and great-grandson, Soren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Pamela Stein; sister, Alice Taylor; and brothers, Jack and Howard Stewart.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home. Services will be announced at a later date.
Obituaries are a complimentary service of Cap City News. To submit an obit, email john@capcity.news.
