Thomas Orval Kraner: 1933 – 2023
Thomas Orval Kraner of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away at home on September 6, 2023, at the age of 89. Thomas was born November 6, 1933, in Columbus, Ohio. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joy. Their children are Thomas (Hannah Kirkbride) Kraner and Jane (Todd) Ehardt of Cheyenne Wyoming. Thomas has three grandchildren, Andrew (Samantha) Ehardt, Max and Nannette Kirkbride Kraner, and one great-granddaughter, Sloane Joy Ehardt. He is also survived by one brother, Richard Kraner of Bradenton, Florida; a cousin, Sue (Bob) Mohler of The Villages, Florida; a dear niece, Lorri (Wayne) Welsh and their children Ben (Anna) Welsh, and Hannah (Kyle) Stefancin. In addition, Thomas leaves behind treasured friends, Jack and Kathy Sipe.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and a infant sister.
Thomas is a graduate of The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1955 (Geology), a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1959 (Education: Biology and Psychology), and a Master’s Degree in 1966 (Guidance and Counseling). In the summer of 1967 Thomas attended the NSF Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. In the summer of 1970 he attended the NSF Institute at the University of Wyoming.
Thomas served in the United States Army from 1955 until 1957. He was stationed at Ft Bliss, Texas, where he was an instructor in a school for the Corporal Guided Missile.
Thomas was a teacher and administrator in Columbus Public Schools from 1960 until 1974. In 1974, drawn by the beauty of Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, Thomas and Joy moved to Cheyenne where Thomas worked as a Program Evaluator for the Wyoming Department of Education. In 1982, he accepted a position as the Curriculum Coordinator K-12 (Science and Outdoor Education) with Laramie County School District #1. After he retired in 1997, he volunteered as a science fair judge and HOST tutor (Baggs Elementary), and for the YMCA Retreat of the Rockies. In 2004 LCSD#1 and LCCC designated land and facility west of Cheyenne as the Thomas O. Kraner Outdoor Education Center.
Thomas was a member of Phi Delta Kappa-Cheyenne, Wyoming Chapter # 1136, and the National Science Teachers Association. Thomas was a devout Christian who served the local Church as a Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader, and elder. There will be a service at Cheyenne Evangelical Free Church in October.
Jerry Albert John: 1952 – 2023
Jerry John, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died suddenly on September 9, 2023. He was born December 14, 1952 to Barbara and Gerald John in Casper, Wyoming. He moved to Cheyenne as a toddler and has lived here his entire life. He was very athletic and participated in numerous sports, but especially excelled in basketball at East High School. He attended Powell Jr College.
Jerry spent 28 years working for Fleischli Oil Company in a variety of positions, including his last years as a regional manager. He went on to continue his work in trucking management, Including Simon Contractors, until retirement. Jerry maintained a strong relationship with many of his Fleischli friends with Friday lunches.
Jerry met the love of his life in 1973, Gina Restivo, married her in 1976 and spent his next 47 years building a wonderful life together. He was a devoted and loving father to their two sons, Brendan and Dylan. They were the center focus of his life. Jerry committed countless hours coaching and following them closely in sports and numerous activities. As life went on, nothing was more important to him than his two grandsons, Ignatius and Logan John. He loved them deeply and relished every opportunity to watch them in their activities and to track their growth and successes.
Jerry was well known for his love of animals and over the years nurtured and cared for many dogs, cats, ferrets, raccoons, and cockatiels. Walking his Wheaten Terriers, Lily and Fiona, was a ritual he indulged in daily in his five years of retirement. Once again, the act of walking his dogs resulted in his forming close relationships with other fellow walkers and they formed a “terrier group” to converse and connect.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Gerald John, Joe and Janet Restivo and a brother-in-law, Vincent Restivo.
He is survived by his wife, Gina; sons Brendan (Sarah) John and Dylan John; and grandsons Ignatius and Logan John. He is also survived by his siblings Patricia (Paul) Stenback and Cheryl (Ron) Reagles and Randy (Jan) John. Jerry enjoyed a strong relationship with his in-laws, Ed and Jerrae Restivo and Jennifer and Larry Wolfe. Uncle Buck, as the nephews and nieces aptly named him, treasured his playful and animated nature. They include Scott (Rory) Stenback, Eric Stenback, Loren (Nicolas) Wolfe, Nicholas Wolfe, Troy Reagles and Stacey (Tom) VanLanen, Braxton (Shannon) Restivo, Bryce (Bri) Restivo, Andrew (Abigail) Restivo and Kori Restivo, and Rachel Campbell and Austin (Keah) John. Jerry truly enjoyed his great nieces and nephews. Jerry also treasured a very special relationship with his “girlfriend” Ruthann Norris.
In his last years, Jerry had a devotion to and spent hours volunteering at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry. Once again, he developed strong relationships not only with his co-workers, but also the many recipients of the pantry services. This work became his heart’s passion and his genuine source of joy.
Those fortunate to know him, will miss his gentle spirit, his wicked quick humor and his warm smile. His large physical stature was dwarfed by his soft manner, his quiet demeanor and his genuine caring presence.
Services will begin with the Vigil for the Deceased on Wednesday, 6:00 p.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel and the Funeral Liturgy will be Thursday, 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Internment will be private for the family at another time.
Donations can be made in Jerry’s honor to the Friends of Youth Alternatives or the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry or the charity of your choice.
Maria Menta: 1944 – 2023
Maria Menta, 79, of Cheyenne, died on August 31, 2023 in Cheyenne.
She was born on March 20, 1944 in Michoacan, Mexico.
Maria was an entrepreneur, and a self motivated and God-fearing independent woman. She loved to work.
She loved life and always looked forward to the next day and would set a goal. She loved to collect antiques and go to garage sales. She loved to travel. She always would help those in need.
She is survived by her daughter, Jocelyn Iparraguirre of Cheyenne.
Visitation will be Saturday, 9-4, at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.
Burial will be Monday, 12:00 p.m., in Olivet Cemetery.
James “Jim” Reisbeck: 1936 – 2023
James “Jim” Phillip Reisbeck passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 12, 2023.
Jim was born on January 26, 1936 in Berthoud, Colorado. He moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in the 1960’s where he began a career as a lineman apprentice, electrical lineman, and supervisor until his retirement at the age of 65.
He was a lifelong member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and supported them until his death. Jim was also member of the Colorado Consistory.
He is survived by his wife Millie Hawkins of Cheyenne, Wyoming and his daughter Nancy Reisbeck of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Lou; brother Robert “Bob”; and parents Doris and Phillip.
Memorial will be scheduled at a later date.
Richard D. Vosler: 1945 – 2023
Richard Dale Vosler died June 3, 2023, at his home, in Cheyenne. Dick was born September 17, 1945, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Aletha and Clifford F. Vosler. He was a 1963 graduate of Cheyenne East High School and attended the University of Wyoming for one year. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1965-1966 before being honorably discharged.
Dick was in business for several years with his father, at C.F. Vosler and Son Construction. After the business was sold, he worked for the Laramie County Sheriff’s Department until he retired. Dick was a devoted NASCAR fan, and a highlight of his life was attending the Daytona 500 with his son-in-law in 2018. He had a passion for history and was always eager to share his knowledge. He was a devoted father. Family was everything to him and he loved being a grandpa. Watching his grandchildren’s sporting events was very important to him and he loved taking them to get ice cream every week.
Survivors include his daughter Katrina and son-in-law Chip Suter; stepchildren CJ (David) O’Dell, Roxie (Angelo) Gonzalez, and Von Maul; grandchildren Darien and Layla Suter; stepbrothers Garry and Kent Hargraves, nephews Steve Shively, Bob Shively, and Thomas Wright; and nieces Sue Anderson and Joanne Treffrey, lifelong best friend John Lesser. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Dorothy Vosler; sisters Nancy Shively, Shirley Wright, and Virginia Lee Vosler; and brother Clifford “Sonny” Vosler, Jr.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday September 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Schrader, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home in Cheyenne. A graveside service will follow at Beth El Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Layla Suter’s college savings account. Helping to pay for his grandchildren’s college education was very important to Dick.
Jon Harvy Winemiller: 1937 – 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jon Harvy Winemiller, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Jon Harvy Winemiller was 85 when he left this world to be with the lord on September 10, 2023. He was in his home headed to meet loved ones for one of his many weekly outings, living life to the fullest until the very end. Jon died suddenly of heart failure.
Jon was born on October 25, 1937, in Barnard, Missouri. Jon’s life was filled with love and joy and he touched the hearts of all those he encountered. He grew up in St Joseph, Missouri where he played football for Lafayette High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Martha (Marty) Dale Rains on January 21, 1956. They had three children: Jon Dale, Debbie Sue and Vickie Ruth.
Jon worked at the Missouri Highway Department as a surveyor until they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1967 where he took a position with the Bureau of Land Management as Chief of Cartography. He later transitioned to the State Safety officer for the Bureau.
He spent many years as a volunteer for Cheyenne Frontier Days, working on Contract Acts. He also was responsible for setting up the stage for the night shows, rubbing elbows with famous singers like Charlie Daniels, which he humbly enjoyed. He received the honor as a Heels in 2003 and continued to serve CFD for many more years. Jon was humble, always humble about his accomplishments and how very loved he was. Jon deserves more recognition that he would ever agree to.
He loved camping, fishing, boating, waterskiing and snowmobiling. He loved his family and friends.
Jon served his country in the Air Force National Guard as a firefighter; both in Missouri and Wyoming; during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. He dearly loved his country and was a true patriot.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Homer and Vivian Winemiller and his wife, Marty. He and Marty enjoyed nearly 54 years together before her passing.
He is survived by many loved ones including his sister, Billie Sue Sollers; his son Jon D. Winemiller(Cheryl); daughters Debbie S. Shinstine(Lewis) and Vickie R. Steele(Gary); his grandchildren: Michael Winemiller(Amy), Cooper and Colin Winemiller, Cassie Watson(Kenny), Kambryn, Heather Kline(Gifford), Jason Schnieder(Kathy), Jordan Barns, Christiana Schnieder, Ashlaynn Schnieder, Jason Jr, Sarah Shinstine, Heidi Shinstine, Rosie Shinstine, Jake Steele(Candice), John Wallace Steele, Asher Thomas Steele, Mia Martha Steele Harvey Harold Steele; and last but not least his faithful dog Matti.
He was a god-fearing Christian and loved his family dearly. He will be missed by all.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the Schrader Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Visitation will take place on September 15, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on September 16, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Following the memorial service, a graveside service will take place at Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery in Cheyenne at 11:00 a.m.
To order flowers, please visit www.theprairierose.net.
