Garrett Lane Cestnik: 1996 – 2024
Garrett was born June 28, 1996 in Casper, Wyoming and passed away November 28, 2024 in Greeley, Colorado.
Accepting the loss of someone you love is never easy, but saying goodbye to our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend is the most challenging thing our family has ever experienced. Although Garrett was taken from us far too soon, Garrett overcame every trial and tribulation he was faced with. He fought hard and persevered through hardships most of us will never understand. His kind heart and sweet soul touched everyone who was lucky enough to know Garrett. His sudden passing has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.
Garrett had so much potential. Despite everything he had been faced with he remained strong, determined, and optimistic about his future. He was a source of hope and support for others. He cared deeply for his family and close friends, there is nothing he wouldn’t do for those he loved. Garrett was especially close with his mom, Tina and grandma, Cheryl. He trusted them with everything he had. Even when Garrett had nothing, he would have given the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Garrett’s empathy knew no bounds.
Some of Garrett’s joys in life were: riding his dirt bike, fishing, golfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, gaming, cooking and spending time with the people who loved him the most. His greatest childhood memories are hunting in Dubois at the family cabin with his dad, Chad and his grandpa, John and riding dirt bikes with his brothers, Chris and Hunter, and his little sister, Presley. Growing up, Garrett loved snowboarding and skateboarding with his lifelong best friend, Riley. They shared an unbreakable bond his whole life.
Garrett also had a passion for music and art, his creativity was so beautiful. Most recently, Garrett got to experience seeing one of his favorite bands, live in Las Vegas, $uicide Boys. Their music resonated with Garrett and helped him through some of his darkest times. Attending this concert made one of Garrett’s dreams come true, and we are so thankful he got to experience that trip before he passed.
After graduating high school in 2014, from Natrona County High school, he went on to work for Exterior Innovations, doing landscaping and lawn care, for three years. He enjoyed this job, being able to work outside and working alongside his best friend, Riley, was perfect for Garrett.
He then went on to learn the trade of concrete from his dad, Chad, at his company C&R construction. Garrett looked up to Chad his whole life, Chad taught him the value of hard work and sacrifice. Something neither of them will ever forget.
In March of 2022, Garrett moved on to Helmerich & Payne, Drilling Contractors, as a roughneck. He traveled to North Dakota every two weeks for his hitch. Some of Garrett’s proudest moments came from the rig. It pushed him to his fullest potential and Garrett took extreme pride in his work. During his first hitch in North Dakota, he was introduced to Adam. Adam helped Garrett break into the roughneck life. Adam became Garrett’s mentor and very close friend. Their friendship remained strong even after moving to different rigs.
Most recently, he moved to rig 517 in Greeley, Colorado, where he developed some of his best friendships. He bonded quickly with his crew and looked forward to returning to the rig.
Garrett’s ultimate goal for his career was to move on to offshore drilling rigs. He was pursuing this when he passed. His stepdad, Walter and stepbrother, Ollie, influenced Garrett’s interest in offshore drilling.
As we mourn the loss of our precious Garrett, we take comfort in knowing that Garrett is at peace now and no longer fighting. He was a bright light in this dark world, he never let the things he had experienced harden his heart. We are beyond grateful for our time with Garrett, even though it was far too short. Rest in Peace, our precious GarrBear. We will never forget that big smile or your tender heart. Garrett’s light will shine on through his family.
He is survived by his parents, Tina Cestnik and Chad(Kylie) Cestnik; his siblings: Chris, Hunter, and Presley; grandmother, Cheryl Loomer; grandparents, John and Kathy Cestnik; aunt and uncle, Kris and Libby Rose (Sophia Rose).
Preceded in death by stepdad, Walter Crabtree; grandpa; Ron Loomer.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024 at The Gaslight Social, Casper, Wyoming
Please join us in celebrating Garrett’s life, and remembering the man he was.
Arrangements are under the care of Stoddard Funeral & Cremation & Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3205 W 28th St, Greeley, CO 80634.
Flowers are appreciated, and donations may be made to the 12/24 Club, Casper, WY and Oilfield Helping Hands. https://oilfieldhelpinghands.org/donate/.
Jillica Sue Hinchen: 1973 – 2024
Jillica Sue Hinchen, 51, passed away at home on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Jillica was born in Grass Valley, California on August 31,1973, to Barbara Hinchen and Arlon Hinchen. Jillica moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1979, attending Willard, East, and Centennial.
Jillica graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1991 and then Casper College in 1998. She went on to cosmetology school and then had a career with the Post Office. Jillica gave birth to the love of her life, Zarryn Taylor Hinchen, in June of 1995. The two of them shared a special bond and a love for one another that only a single mother and her only son understand.
One of her greatest joys was singing; no matter what she was doing, you could always catch a tune coming from Jillica in the form of a hum, whistle, or a full-blown chorus of one. Jillica’s singing voice was one-of-a-kind. Jillica will be remembered fondly as a kind, compassionate, and caring soul. Jillica will also be remembered for her incredible sewing talents and her ability to not only turn a phrase but extend it by a few sentences and sprinkle a few curse words in for good measure.
Jillica’s family was her greatest treasure; she loved her son more than anything in the world, and it showed with every single card she wrote to him; a mile long and packed to the brim with her love. Jillica’s mother and her sisters, Tyaka and Suddin were her greatest confidants, supporters, and inspiration for her many works of art and acts of love. Jillica could always count on her father, Arlon, in any situation and knew that he would show up with compassion, love, and honest advice.
Jillica was preceded in death by her sister, Suddin Hinchen; her grandparents, Evelyn and Charles Hinchen; her cousin, Penny Hinchen.
She is survived by her parents, Barbara and Arlon; child, Zarryn (Tawni) Hinchen; sister, Tyaka Marsh; niece, Maddyson Marsh; along with her aunts and uncles: Ann Klein, Mary Weinrich, John (Sue) Weinrich, Teresa (Randy) Waldron, Holgar Hinchen; and her cousins: Christine Hinchen, Holgar Hinchen, and Crystal Hartford. Finally, she is survived by her rescued companion animals, Bosco and Barkley, along with a sea of treasured friends. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from; Jillica had so much love to give and loved people deeply and fiercely, always encouraging them to be their best.
Per her request, there will be no services or celebration of life at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation to Casper Humane Society in Jillica’s name and honor.
Margaret “Peg” R. Adsit: 1952 – 2024
Margaret “Peg” R. Adsit, born on July 9, 1952, in Wheatland, Wyoming, and cherished by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on December 1 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was a remarkable woman whose legacy is indelibly etched in the hearts of her family and friends.
Peg devoted thirty years of her life to the art of pottery, emerging as one of the premier potters in her region. Her extraordinary craftsmanship transcended borders, as her work found homes as far away as Moscow, Russia, and stretched across the American expanse from Wyoming, to Connecticut, with numerous appreciative places in between. Each piece she created was a testament to her passion and skill, forging connections through the beauty and creativity of her art.
Her academic journey fostered her musical talents, culminating in a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wyoming. A dedicated member of the Cowboy Marching Band for four years and a part of the esteemed University of Wyoming Collegiate Chorale for three years, Peg’s artistic sensibilities were harmoniously intertwined with her pottery.
Life at the cabin held a special place in her heart, where great times were spent fishing alongside loved ones. Peg reveled in the joys of Christmas entertaining and cherished the moments spent crafting and playing with her grandchildren during their formative years. Her terrific sense of humor, along with her caring and loving nature, forged wonderful relationships that will forever be treasured by those fortunate enough to have shared in her life.
Peg is remembered for her highly organized demeanor and tireless work ethic within her pottery studio, traits that reflected her commitment to her craft and her family. She took immense pride in her accomplishments, not only for being selected for the UW Collegiate Chorale but also for the honor of having her jewelry line selected for gifts to the Russian diplomatic and military corps visiting for a START inspection.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her husband, Tim Adsit; her son, Mark Adsit; her sister, Paula Jo Edberg; her mother, Pauline Bookout; her granddaughter, Aspen Miller; her grandson, Hayden Pierce; and her granddaughter, Emma Jo Pierce; along with numerous friends, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and aunts. Though she faced the sorrow of losing her daughter, Amanda Pierce; sister, Susan Bookout; and her father, Joe Bookout, Peg’s spirit and essence continue to envelop her surviving family in love and fond memories.
In a world often hurried and chaotic, Peg embodied grace and kindness, a luminous presence who cherished relationships and took joy in life’s simple pleasures. Her influence will reverberate through the generations to come, an enduring reminder of a life richly lived and generously shared. May her memory be a source of inspiration for all who were blessed to know her.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Centennial Valley Fire Department in Centennial Wyoming or your local Meals on Wheels.
Gordon G. Horton: 1940 – 2024
Gordon G. Horton, a distinguished entrepreneur and multi-faceted individual, departed this world on November 30, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on June 1, 1940, his life was remarkable, woven with threads of creativity, kindness, and boundless curiosity. A proud veteran of the Marine Corps, Gordon exemplified the virtues of discipline and dedication, serving as an E-3 before embarking on a life that would see him inspire and uplift those fortunate enough to cross his path.
A man of many interests, Gordon’s professional journey was as diverse as it was impactful. He was a treasured member of various organizations, including the VFW and KGWN, and earned the admiration of many as an entertainment writer. His entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly in Cheyenne and many other places, where he founded a winery with his husband that blossomed under his thoughtful guidance. As a special project director, his innovative vision brought numerous ideas to fruition, making indelible contributions to his community.
Those who knew Gordon were often struck by his profound intelligence and creativity, traits that infused every aspect of his life with vibrancy. He was not merely a thinker but a doer, someone who approached the world with an open mind and a compassionate heart. His dedication to Buddhism guided him in nurturing his innate kindness, which radiated in his interactions with others.
Gordon cherished the joys of life—whether it was cooking a sumptuous meal for friends, entertaining guests with warmth and laughter, or embarking on travels that took him to far and wide corners of the world. He shared many unforgettable adventures with his life partner and husband, Tim, whom he met in 1974 in South Laguna Beach, California. Their serendipitous reunion and 42 years of companionship is a testament to their enduring love, culminating in a beautiful marriage in 2014.
Enduring memories resonate from the time spent traveling alongside his beloved Timmy, a journey filled with laughter, discovery, and the creation of stories that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
He leaves behind a legacy that is celebrated in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His life was a testament to the power of love, creativity, and the pursuit of passion—a soul who genuinely lived, and in doing so, inspired others to embrace the beauty of their own lives.
Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his partner and husband, Tim Akins; stepbrother, Gary Obrion; nephew, Stanley Horton; and niece, Traci Horton, all of whom continue to celebrate his life and legacy. He joins his beloved parents, Jack and Dena Mae Horton; as well as a brother and sister, in eternal rest.
As we bid farewell to Gordon G. Horton, let us remember a life filled with kindness, creativity, and a profound love for those around him. His spirit will forever illuminate the paths of those he touched, reminding us all to embrace life with the same passion and dedication he so gracefully embodied.
Lois Marie Piester: 1933 – 2024
Lois M. Piester, 90, of Cheyenne, passed at Davis Hospice surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 8, 1933, in Alliance, Nebraska to Gotthielf Schwaderer and Emma Fredrickson Schwaderer.
Lois worked various jobs including as a cook. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, baking, camping and traveling with her husband, Don, and grandchildren. She loved flowers and she enjoyed traveling to the casinos in Colorado.
She is survived by her son, Dennis Piester and daughter, JoAnn Lopez; her grandchildren: Judah Lopez, Jeremy Piester, Amber Piester, Levi Lopez, Joshua Piester, Garrett Piester; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Don Piester; her son, Steven Piester; her grandson, Jason Piester
A family graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.
