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Obituaries: Contreras; Dayton; Foster; Johnson; Wagner

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Carlos Contreras

Carlos Contreras: 1981 – 2024

Carlos Contreras, 41, of Cheyenne, passed away on Feb. 20, 2024, at Davis Hospice Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Aug. 4, 1981, in Tijuana, Mexico, to Manuel and Rosa (Diaz) Contreras.

Carlos enjoyed watching sports, especially football and soccer, his favorite team was the Vegas Raiders, he will always be their number one fan. His dog, Capone held a special spot in his heart. But his true love was his daughter, Jolee, and the time they got to spend together.

He is survived by his mother, Rosa; daughter, Jolee; brother, Manuel “Manny”; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Carlos was preceded in death by his father, Manuel “Chuy”; uncle, Eulalio “Tio Lalo”; and cousin, Rosy.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.


Gerry Leroy Dayton

Gerry Leroy Dayton:1944 – 2024

Gerry L. Dayton passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Barbara at his side. He passed on Monday February 19, 2024 at the age of 79. Gerry was born on July 3, 1944 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He married the love of his life Barbara Clark on December 6, 1964.

Gerry worked as a farm and ranch hand right out of High School in the Wheatland and Burns areas. He moved to Wheatland Wyoming and worked at Drube’s Machine Shop, then worked on the construction crew helping build the Basin Electric Power Plant. He was one of the first mechanics hired for maintenance of the plant. His final position there was lead mechanic. After 27 years he retired to his ranch south of Chugwater. He and his loving wife moved into Chugwater about 3 years ago. He lived at that residence until his death.

Gerry loved hunting and fishing and Wyoming. He enjoyed spending time with his friends.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Dayton of Chugwater, Wyoming; three daughters: Deborah Chapman of Chugwater Wyoming, Jennifer Graul of Republic, Missouri, and Amy Dyba of Cheyenne, Wyoming. He is also survived by a sister, Betty Ash, of Arthur, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Gunda Dayton; and a daughter, Laura Goettl.

A funeral service will be held Saturday March 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chugwater Valley Church located at 120 3rd Street in Chugwater. There will a reception beginning at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. The reception will be held at the Community Center in Chugwater with lunch provided. An interment will take place after the service for family only.


Robert J. Foster

Robert J. Foster: 1924 – 2024

Robert J. Foster, 99, of Cheyenne, passed away peacefully at the Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center on February 13, 2024. He was born on May 29, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri to Winnie Peebles and Hezekiah Foster and was the youngest of 11 children.

Robert (Bob) was a US Army Veteran who served during World War II. He was last stationed at Fort D.A. Russell and stayed in Cheyenne after honorable discharge.

Bob soon began working at the UP Railroad, then later at Tyrrell Chevrolet, the VA Hospital, at F.E. Warren AFB, and was the first African American phone installer for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company. He retired from the phone company after 31 years of service. He was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers, American Legion, North American Hunting Club, and the Moose Lodge. Bob was also a Master Mason of the F&A Masons Western Star Lodge.

Bob enjoyed staying active with various activities, spending time with friends, family, his church community, and more recently his caregivers who played a huge role in him living independently at home until just a few weeks before his death. Bob loved to cook, hunt, fish, golf, do projects around the house, spend time with his granddaughter Janessa, laugh, give hugs, and share encouraging words about life. He was a humble man who made the most out of life and all the simple joys that surround us. He and the stories of his near century long life experiences will be missed.

He is survived by a son, Tony Spencer of Cheyenne; daughter, Otha Spencer-Williams of Las Vegas; grandchildren: Lori Janas, Gemini Janas, Anthony Spencer (Katee); great-grandchildren: Christopher Fritsch (Kaleigh), Kylee and Madasin Webb, Garrett Allison, Brock, Lynessa and Jordyn Spencer; a great-great granddaughter, Carsyn; numerous nieces, nephews, and dear family friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his favorite girl, Janessa Spencer; wife, Grace Foster; his siblings; and parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cheyenne Seventh Day Adventist Church on April 28 (details forthcoming).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s honor at the American Legion.


Brandon Jacob Johnson

Brandon Jacob Johnson: 1986 – 2024

Brandon Jacob Johnson, 37, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away at his home on Feb. 10, 2024. He was born on Aug 12, 1986, in Englewood, Colorado to Christopher and Peggy (Biederstedt) Johnson.

Brandon loved his dog, Zahara and Beast, riding his motorcycle, climbing rocks, hunting, cooking, and playing basketball, football, and soccer.

He is survived by his mother, Peggy; grandmother, Honey; sister, Shannon; nephew, Jyreese; and niece, Kyauna.

Brandon was preceded in death by his father, Christopher; and grandfather, Marvin.

A public visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.

A service will be held on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.


Rose Ella Wagner

Rose Ella Wagner: 1948 – 2024

Rose Ella Wagner, born Rose Ella Nation on June 17, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, left this world peacefully on February 13, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was a remarkable individual whose legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Throughout her illustrious career, Rose Ella made significant contributions to various organizations. From her role as Assistant Planning Director at the Natrona County Planning Department to serving as a Preservation Planner for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, her dedication and expertise left an indelible mark. She also lent her talents to the Wyoming Department of Health and the Cheyenne Little Theatre, showcasing her versatility and passion for community service.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Rose Ella’s vibrant personality shone brightly. Described as generous, irreverent, and possessing a great sense of humor, she endeared herself to all who crossed her path. Her penchant for taking care of friends and love for cats reflected her kind and nurturing spirit.

Rose Ella’s interests were as diverse as her accomplishments. A lover of books who once owned a used bookstore, she also had a deep affection for felines that brought her immense joy. Her commitment to historic preservation was evident through winning the Dubois Historic Preservation Award and co-authoring Wyoming’s comprehensive historic preservation plan in 2002—a testament to her passion for conservation.

In this time of mourning, Rose Ella is survived by cousins and numerous friends who cherished her friendship. She is preceded in death by her father, Milt Nation; her mother, Ella Rose Nation; and cousin Kathy Sargent.

A Celebration of Life event will be held on February 23, 2024, at The Office Bar and Grill in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This gathering will serve as a fitting tribute to a life well-lived—a life that touched countless souls and left an unforgettable legacy.  Friends are welcome to come share memories and stories. 

As we bid farewell to Rose Ella Wagner, let us remember her with smiles for the joy she brought into our lives and gratitude for having been blessed by her presence. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. 


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