Carl Nick Milatzo: 1930 – 2024
Carl Nick Milatzo, 93, of Cheyenne Wyoming passed away at Davis Hospice on January 15, 2024. Carl was born June 29, 1930, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Carl was the youngest of four siblings born to Vincent Milatzo and Nicolina “Nicky” Stephanie Rizzuto. The first child of Vincent and “Nicky” was Frank, followed by Mary, Antoinette, Lillian and last, Carl. Nicky died at the birth of Carl June 29, 1930. After Nicolina died, Carl was coincidentally adopted and raised by a Milatzo cousin, Ignacio “Paul” Milatzo. He and his wife Irene resided in Utah.
Irene and Paul had a son named Bob, who passed away at the age of nineteen serving in the U.S. Marines. Carl spoke of him often and showed his respect for America and the military by keeping a picture of Bob in his wallet, alongside one of his mother, Irene.
Carl’s father Vincent then married Vita (Licata) Restivo, a widow. The Restivo children were Joseph “Iggy”, a cement contractor in Cheyenne, Dominic who moved to California, William, Leonard and a daughter, Jennifer who died young. Together, Vincent & Vita operated the Shoe Repair Shop on Capital Avenue in downtown Cheyenne. Upon Carl’s return to Cheyenne, he joined the Army National Guard.
Carl proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard of Wyoming for 42 years, retiring in 1990. During his 42 years of service, Staff Sergeant Milatzo was a drummer for the 67th Army Band and a Carpentry & Masonry Specialist. In addition to the Military, Carl was a 3rd Degree Member in Council No. 801 of Knights of Columbus.
Carl’s interests and experience as a craftsman took him many places, and he was always looking for ways to help his neighbors and friends. He was the Maintenance Supervisor at St. Mary’s Cathedral for 20 years and became a beloved fixture at the cathedral both before and after his retirement from there.
He also worked for Fowlers Department Store in downtown Cheyenne and was a chauffeur for two elderly ladies. But one of the most repeated and noteworthy talents was Carl’s love for woodworking. He took great pride in the beautiful canes he made for the elderly. He also worked endlessly on his and Darlene’s home where they lived for more than 50 years, making improvements such as building the large patio for family and friends to gather. He often hollered, “Come on in!” even if he had no idea who was at the back door.
He loved to be outdoors, dig in the dirt and he marveled at the produce that came from his annual garden. Carl tended to his garden as if it were part of the family and made sure anyone who came by got to see his tomatoes and cucumbers thriving in the greenhouse he built at the back of his home. Carl also spent a lot of time working at Kirk’s garden. He loved the camaraderie and friendship that developed over many years.
Speaking of outdoors, rain or shine, Carl loved to drive his red scooter (and his red T-Bird) around Cheyenne. He greeted everyone with his bigger than life smile and would strike up a conversation with every passerby. Those that met or knew Carl well said that he was a funny man, rather a jokester, who never ever missed an opportunity to tell a joke or funny story.
Mr. Milatzo is survived by his wife, Darlene (Barker) and her daughter, Mary “Luanne” Herrmann; niece, Linda Smyth; nephew, Jim Connell; nephew, Frank Burke; and cousin, Kirk Colbert.
He was preceded in death by his four siblings: Frank Milatzo, Mary Connell, Antoinette “Toni” Ellison and Lillian “Lilly” Shafer; and his parents.
Funeral Liturgy will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Mary with Father Thomas Cronkleton.
Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Cheyenne National Cemetery, 8611 Hildreth Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009. Military Honors will be provided by the W.A.N.G Honors team.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, where he visited many times, searching for his next four-legged companion. Please also consider donating to the Cathedral of St. Mary and/or St. Mary’s Catholic School.
Nina L. Moore: 1939 – 2024
Nina L Moore, age 84, of Cheyenne, passed at Polaris Rehabilitation and Care Center surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on June 25, 1939, in Wheeling WV, to Ralph R. Davis and Ethel M. (Campbell) Davis.
Nina was a homemaker, who enjoyed gardening, hiking, hunting, camping, traveling, John Wayne movies, rock and coin collecting, reading, exploring museums and enjoying watching everything she could on the nature/ science channels. She also had a deep love of animals, her favorites including goats, horses, dogs, and especially cats, her most recent one, Tinkerbell, who remained faithfully by her side until the very end.
She is survived by daughters, Dawn L. Moore and Joy L. Davisson; and many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews. Nina was preceded in death by her husband, Billy D. Moore; parents, Ralph and Ethel Davis; and her many siblings.
Services per Nina’s wishes will be a private Celebration of Life will take place this summer, cremation has already taken place.
Melinda Marie Tomas: 1958 – 2024
Melinda Marie Tomas, age 65, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away January 8, 2024.
Melinda was born on October 16, 1958, to Myrna Lou Robinson in Casper, Wyoming. She was the oldest of six (four of whom were born to Myrna Lou). She attended Natrona County High School and graduated in 1977. She married her “honey man” as she affectionately called David Hardee in October 2014. Tragically, David passed away six months later.
When she was in elementary school she took tap dancing and continued to enjoy dancing throughout the years. She spent several years working at Taco Johns and BiRite drugstore. She loved interacting with the customers. She spent her time watching old tv shows, drawing and coloring. She loved her family and friends and her face would light up in a smile every time she saw them. She enjoyed every moment she had with them. When shopping for a gift for the holidays or birthdays, Melinda was very intentional in finding just the right gift.
Her favorite saying was, “Be kind to everyone, if you go back far enough we are ALL related.”
Melinda is survived by her parents, Gary and Gerri (Brown) Ketchum, Casper, Wyoming; siblings: Marlynn Urban, Bloomfield, Iowa; Walter Belcher, Casper, Wyoming; Kandra (Handy) and Mike Luke, Lincoln, Nebraska; LaVeta Ketchum, Hutchinson, Minnesota; Valorie (Ketchum) and Jason Evert, Casper, Wyoming; nieces and nephews: Jesse (Evert) and Max Tasche, Hutchinson, Minnesota; Eddie Luke, Lincoln, Nebraska: Lacey Evert Casper, Wyoming; Faith Evert Casper, Wyoming; and several uncles, aunts and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother; grandparents; aunts; uncles; and cousins.
A celebration of life will be at 3:00 p.m. on January 20 at the Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church. 2625 Casper Mountain Rd, Casper, WY 82601.
Alma E. Tussing: 1930 – 2024
Alma E. Tussing, 93, a kind and loving individual who was an inspiration in the lives she touched, passed away on January 17, 2024.
Alma was born on April 22, 1930, to Irvin O’Connor and Margaret (Morton) O’Connor Bade. Growing up alongside her twin brothers, John and James, Alma was raised on a ranch that instilled in her a good work ethic, a life lived with integrity, and dedicated sense of family values that would shape her life’s path.
Alma was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She lived the last 55 years just outside of Hudson, Wyoming. She recently moved back to Cheyenne upon the death of her spouse. In her early years, Alma married, Clarence “Mac” McNair. They were married 49 years. Their life together blessed them with two cherished children: Linda McNair and Ed McNair.
She is survived by James O’Connor (brother); Ed McNair (son); two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous cousins; nieces; and nephews.
She is preceded in death by Irvin O’Connor (father); Margaret O’Connor Bade (mother); Linda McNair (daughter); Clarence “Mac” McNair (spouse of 49 years); Stan Tussing (spouse of 27 years); John O’Connor (brother); and Penny McNair (daughter-in-law).
Alma and her husband Stan were active members of the Western Music Association (WMA), immersing themselves in the vibrant music scene. Their passion for music led them to attend numerous concerts and support talented performers from near and far. One of Alma’s proudest accomplishments was providing camp scholarships to aspiring youth musicians. Recognizing the importance of nurturing young talents and helping them expand their skills, she ensured that these young artists could embark on fulfilling musical journeys. In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the WMA by visiting: International Western Music Association (iwesternmusic.org)
May Alma E. Tussing find eternal peace as she joins the angels above—her spirit forever guiding her loved ones from the heavens.
Thomas Dale Wilson: 1964 – 2024
Thomas “Tom” Dale Wilson, 59, passed away on January 10, 2024. Born on October 30, 1964 in Hutchinson, Kansas, Tom appeared rough around the edges, but had a heart filled with care, thoughtfulness, and a touch of stubbornness. His quick wit and humorous spirit brought joy to those fortunate enough to share in his laughter.
Tom took great pride in his heritage, embracing both his Native American and Viking roots with a deep sense of appreciation. A true history buff, Tom found joy visiting historical landmarks like the USS Constitution and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
Tom was a craftsman, an artisan, and a builder. A welder by trade, he applied his skills in his everyday life to create custom handrails, fences, vases, beading, gifts, and more. Receiving a gift from Tom meant receiving the most thoughtful, handmade item, a product of his time, effort, and care.
Tom was never afraid to take on a new hobby or learn a new skill. Our pantries are filled with canned carrots, pickles, spam, jellies, and other various foods to prove it. Amongst canning, Tom found an affinity for growing food. He was quick to learn that growing green beans and tomatoes can be just as stubborn as he was.
Quality time with family held a special place in Tom’s heart. Whether cheering for his beloved Vikings, indulging in barbeque at the BBQ festival, fishing with loved ones, enjoying the sunshine on the porch, or sharing a simple dinner, Tom cherished every moment spent together.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Ryan and Harlin Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Karena Wilson; children: Trevor and Alea Adrian, Rachel Albert, Cortney Acheson, Wyatt Wilson, Keith Wilson; 11 grandchildren; and siblings: Wes Wilson, Viroqua Blakey, James Wilson, and Nathan Wilson. In addition, Tom leaves behind three beloved pets, Emi, Bobo, and Piggy, along with two fur grandchildren.
A casual reception to gather, share stories, and celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Monday, January 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Schrader, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In honor of Tom’s love of the Minnesota Vikings and Harley Davidson, please wear your favorite Harley Davidson or Minnesota Viking apparel.
