Karla Blankenship: 1961 – 2023
Karla was born July 18, 1961 in San Jose, California and passed October 31, 2023 at the age of 62 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Karla’s passing is mourned by her loving friends and family: her sister, Denise; her daughter, Nash; her son-in-law, Tyler; and her granddaughter, Scarlett.
If you knew Karla, then you knew she was best known for her infectious laughter, enduring spirit and vibrant personality. Her outlook on life was an inspiration to friends and family. Karla, may you rest in peace.
Her vibrant personality touched the hearts of many, and her positive outlook on life was truly inspiring. She was well known for her sense of humor. However, her memory will remain alive in the hearts of all those she leaves behind. The legacy she leaves behind is one of love, laughter, and an unwavering zest for life. May her soul find eternal peace as we honor and celebrate the remarkable woman she was.
Fred Clyncke: 1942 – 2023
Fred died Oct, 28, 2023 in Cheyenne, Wyoming with his family at his side.
He was born to Poliete & Marie Clyncke August 11, 1942 in Boulder, Colorado. He married his high school sweetheart, Val Walker, on January 20, 1962. They were blessed with two children, and in 1971 moved to Casper, Wyoming, purchasing half of an oil field service company.
Upon selling the company, they purchased and ran Rocky Mountain Sheet Metal Co., selling it in January of 1994.
Fred was a gentle giant, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and loyal friend to many. He loved spending time with his family and friends, camping, fishing, hunting and woodworking. The Casper Mountain cabin that he and his family built was his and his family’s special, special place.
Fred was a man of faith and served his church, Our Lady of Fatima, in many capacities using his wisdom & talents all the years he lived in Casper. He and Val moved to Cheyenne in 2017 to be closer to their family and joined Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Joyce Clyncke; and nephew, Brent Clyncke.
He is survived by his wife; son, Pace (Cindy); daughter, Dalene (Cory) Frantz; grandson, Eric (Jess) Clyncke; granddaughter, Kayla (Wes) Barranger; and four great-grandchildren: Beaudyn, Hudson, Forest and Clementine; brothers, Jim Melvin Clyncke, Marvin (Judy) Clyncke; sister-in-law Beverly Walker; and 11 nieces and nephews, and their families.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Please consider in lieu of flowers, to make a donation to Make A Wish Wyoming at Donate – Make-A-Wish , The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Donation Packages | Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (rmef.org) or a charity of your choice.
Duane Hansen: 1945 – 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Duane Hansen, a beloved member of the Cheyenne, Wyoming community. Duane peacefully departed this world on October 30, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society Nursing home in Loveland, Colorado.
Duane was born on May 2, 1945 in Laramie, Wyoming to parents Willard and Melva Hansen. As the youngest of five boys, including Kenneth and Donald, Duane brought joy and laughter to his family from the very beginning. His formative years were spent in Laramie until graduating from Laramie High School in 1964. In his earlier years he loved to snowmobile, water ski, and camping in and around Wonderful Wyoming.
Driven by a passion for electronics, Duane pursued training in Denver at the National Electronics Institute before securing his first job with Mountain Bell in Laramie. He moved to Cheyenne in 1979 to work for Union Pacific Railroad in their Telecommunications Department. Duane dedicated many years of diligent service to Union Pacific Railroad before eventually retiring.
Unwavering faith and love for God played an integral role throughout Duane’s life. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and a lifelong devout Catholic who found solace and guidance in his beliefs. He traveled to sites sacred to the Church across North America and Europe but the most memorable places he visited were Lourdes and the Vatican. Additionally, Duane immersed himself in the world of HAM radio operations as a hobbyist. His skill and dedication as a HAM radio operator earned him recognition and respect within the community (call sign: WA7KYM). In addition to working for the railroad, he enjoyed collecting model trains in both HO and G scales. He loved bowling, especially when he took his kids and grandkids, and showed them that he could still beat them. He loved photography, and he got a kick out of taking pictures of unsuspecting family members, as well as wildlife and those beautiful Wyoming sunsets.
Duane was also a proud University of Wyoming athletics fan, having attended countless events from childhood through his later life. Go Pokes!
Above all else, Duane cherished his role as a loving father and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will forever be treasured by his surviving family members.
Duane was predeceased by his parents and brothers Kenneth and Donald. He is survived by his son, Shane Lee (Connie) Hansen of Florence, Arizona; daughter, Shaundra Kay (Roy) Lantzy of Greeley, Colorado; and son, Shaunen John (Christina) Hansen of Falls Church, Virgina. He was a doting grandfather to Timothy (Kerrey), Taylor, Samantha (Travis), Alexa, Riley, Allana, Kaylynn, and Lillian; and great-grandfather to Jackson, Leah, and Weston, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in his memory to Catholic Charities USA at CatholicCharitiesUSA.org. Let us honor Duane’s spirit by coming together to support a cause that reflects his values and compassion.
We are certain that Duane is now in heaven, where his spirit has found eternal rest and grace in the presence of God.
2 Timothy 4: 7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all those who have longed for his appearing.
Funeral will be held on November 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne, WY. Burial to follow at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie, WY.
To view the livestream of the service, please visit https://stmarycathedral.com/livestream.
Drew Ian Patterson: 1984 – 2023
Drew Ian Patterson, 39, of Cheyenne, died on October 21. 2023 in Cheyenne.
He was born on September 23, 1984 om Cheyenne.
Drew graduated from Cheyenne East High School in 2003. Drew did on the job training at Quick Draw Optical right out of high school. After completing his Optician Certification he went to work At Cheyenne Eye Clinic.
He was very interested in all things space and attended Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama twice. Was an avid bicyclist and did the double/triple bypass races down Pikes Peak to Evergreen, Colorado and back again. Did the Ride for Sight sponsored by the Eye Clinic and was involved in the Relay for Life for numerous years.
He loved all music, and wrote, sang and played guitar with his numerous collection of guitars and keyboards.
Drew loved the outdoors. He loved golfing, fishing and hiking with his friends Jessica and Rich up Mt. Washington. He was an excellent bowler and was on the Cheyenne junior High 5 team in his youth.
Drew is survived by his parents, Don and Dee Patterson of Cheyenne; his brother, Devin Patterson of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; his girlfriend, Jennifer Kitts; stepsons: Odin Hathaway, Milo Kitts, and Jonah Kitts; very close friends and ex-wife, Darcy and Scott Kitts all of Cheyenne; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Declan Patterson; a brother, Chase Patterson; paternal grandparents, Vic and Rose Stugelmayer and Harold Patterson; and his maternal grandparents, Bob and June Graeber.
Rozella Rice: 1940 – 2023
Rozella Peterson Rice, born in Cheyenne, was the second daughter born to R. Glenn Peterson and Ida Elizabeth Hintze. She died October 19, 2023 of stage IV breast cancer, diagnosed 32 years after her original diagnosis. Services will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m. and will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.
Rozella was in the last graduating class from Cheyenne High School and was seventh scholastically in her class of 400 students. Rozella then entered St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Denver graduating first in her class with scholastic honors. She was also chosen Colorado Student Nurse of the year for 1961. Rozella continued her nursing education earning a B.S. Degree from the University of Wyoming and a Masters Degree in Family Nursing from the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver. Rozella was one of the few nurse practitioners first licensed in the State of Wyoming.
Rozella served Laramie County School District as a school nurse for 29 years. During this time, Rozella was active in the Wyoming School Nurse Association, serving as Legislative Chairman. She, along with Sally Jo Prigee and Judith Randall, assisted the State Health Department lobbying for the passage of the School Immunization Law. For this, Rozella was chosen Wyoming School Nurse of the Year for 1989.
Rozella also earned an associates degree in Homeland Security from LCCC which was helpful in her role as Chairman of Emergency Management for Johnson Junior High. She then entered into “Healthy Families Succeed,” in which she helped families with health care needs, while other professionals helped them to complete their education and find jobs. During this time Rozella completed coursework for Parish (faith-based) Nursing and volunteered to serve members of her church who were unable to attend services. She volunteered for 9 years and followed some by telephone when she could no longer do visitations.
Rozella was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Glynette Peterson Nix and Eileen Peterson Svare Baca.
She is survived by sons, Steven C. Rice and his three daughters, and Kevin E. Rice; sister, Sherry Peterson; nephew, Jon Robert Svare; and cousin, Henry Masonier.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – was the motivation Rozella used for all the challenges in her life.
Sarah Jean Wallace: 1949 – 2023
Sarah Jean Wallace, a dedicated IT Specialist who lived a life full of accomplishments, passed away on October 24, 2023, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Born Sarah Jean Morgan on September 20, 1949, in Exeter, New Hampshire, she was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman who leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy.
Sarah’s career as an IT Specialist spanned over four decades. Her unparalleled dedication and expertise were evident in every project she undertook. Colleagues often praised her for her problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Sarah’s unwavering commitment to her work earned her the respect of both colleagues and clients alike.
As a mother to Richard Wallace, Sarah showered him with affection and kindness while nurturing his growth as an individual. Richard found his life partner in Alex Wallace (formerly Alex Owens), who instantly became a part of Sarah’s loving embrace. Sarah’s joy multiplied when William Wallace, her grandson, was born into the family. Witnessing the bond between grandmother and grandson was truly heartwarming for all who had the pleasure of knowing them.
Sarah’s devotion also extended to Richard Wallace Jr., her adored grandson who held a special place in her heart. His infectious giggle and playful nature enlivened family gatherings where love knew no bounds.
Sarah exuded warmth and graciousness through every interaction she had with others. Her gentle smile could brighten even the gloomiest of days while her compassionate spirit offered solace to those in need. Family and friends could always count on Sarah to provide unwavering support and lend a listening ear.
In her free time, Sarah enjoyed pursuing her passions. She found solace in art, spending hours immersed in painting and sketching. Many of her creations adorned the walls of her home, inspiring those who beheld them. Sarah’s creativity also extended to culinary pursuits, where she delighted loved ones with her delectable recipes passed down through generations.
Sarah Jean Wallace will be remembered as an extraordinary woman who made a significant impact on the lives of those around her. Her professionalism, kindness, and unwavering love for her family inspired all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us in physical form, Sarah’s legacy will live on within the hearts of those privileged to have shared in her life.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Sarah Jean Wallace truly lived this definition of success and will forever be missed by all whose lives she touched.
May she rest in eternal peace knowing that her light will continue to shine brightly through those she loved so dearly.
