Cynthia Sue Lange: 1952 – 2024
Cynthia Sue Lange, born on April 27, 1952, in Grottoes, Virginia, passed away on December 25, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was a vibrant soul who brought joy to those around her.
Cynthia lived life to the fullest, always ready with a smile and wisdom. Her spirit was unstoppable, and she had a knack for making every moment count. Whether it was spending time with friends or simply enjoying the world around her, Cynthia found happiness in the little things.
She will be missed dearly by all who knew her. Rest easy, Cynthia, your laughter and light will always shine on in our hearts.
Laverne “Vern” Park: 1938 – 2024
Laverne “Vern” Park, age 86, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024. Vern was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and community member whose warmth, kindness, and sense of humor touched the lives of all who knew him.
Born on February 25, 1938, in Fort Collins, Colorado, Vern was the son of Ray and Lena Park. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, a time that shaped his character and instilled in him a deep sense of duty and service. After his military service, Vern worked at Coastal Chem in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he dedicated many years of his life.
Vern’s true passion in life was restoring old cars. He found joy in bringing classic vehicles back to life, meticulously working on them with patience and skill. His love for cars was not just a hobby but a way of life, and he took great pride in the cars he restored. He especially enjoyed taking his family and friends for rides in his old cars, sharing the thrill of these classic machines with those he loved. Whether it was the challenge of a new project or the satisfaction of completing a restoration, Vern poured his heart into his work.
In addition to his love for cars, Vern had a great appreciation for the outdoors, enjoying snowmobiling, camping, and boating. He cherished time spent in nature, whether exploring the mountains or relaxing on the water. Vern also enjoyed a drink with his friends almost every afternoon, sharing laughter and stories with those he held dear.
Though Vern had a hard exterior, he was a sentimental man with a playful spirit. He was always trying to mess with people, whether through mischievous jokes or playful teasing. His sense of humor and fun-loving nature brought joy to those around him, and beneath his tough exterior, he deeply valued the bonds he shared with his loved ones.
Vern was preceded in death by his father, Ray Park; his mother, Lena Park; and his sons, Ray and Rick Park. He is survived by his grandsons, Cory Park (Annie) and Bruce Prosser (Jessica), both of Gillette, Wyoming; and his great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Jordan, Maxton, Vincent, and Aliana. In keeping with his wishes, his surviving family members will spread his ashes with his son, Rick.
Diana F. “Danny” Roeseler: 1941 – 2024
Diana “Danny” Files Roeseler, was born November 20, 1941 in Portland, Maine to Harry P. Files and Rebecca Spencer Files. She passed away unexpectedly December 21, 2024 at Life Care Center of Cheyenne from complications of Parkinson’s.
She graduated from Boulder, Colorado High School, then obtained a B.A. degree at the University of Colorado in Anthropology. Her final 17 years of employment was a conductor for Union Pacific Railroad in which she was among the first few women hired on the trains for UPRR. It was in this position that she met William “Willie” E. Roeseler. They were married on August 23, 1984 in Spokane, Washington at a UPRR conference.
Danny was a remarkable and adventurous lady who put her whole heart into everything she was involved with. She was a member of the UPRR Old Timer’s Club and Cheyenne Heritage Quilters. Danny was instrumental in bringing her neighborhoods together as a “family” in Cheyenne, in Pointe Frontier when in Assisted Living there, and finally in Life Care Center of Cheyenne. Participating in all the activities possible. While fiercely competitive, she also cheered on others. Her favorite place was the outdoors, especially if there was wildlife and birds. Flowers lit up her life. Sunflowers, salmon-colored roses and orchids were among her favorites. All you had to say was let’s go and she was ready whether a day outing or travelling internationally
Willie passed away July 15, 2019. Step-children survive her (she treated them as hers): Adam Roeseler of Rapid City, South Dakota; Steve (Kelly) Roeseler of Atoka, Tennessee; and Sarah (Dale) Brandt of Marissa, Illinois; seven step-grandchildren: Ian Plamann, Kayla Roeseler Hammond, Nicholas Roeseler, Brandon Roeseler, Emily Cohen, Elissa Cohen, and August Brandt; and one step-great-grandchild, Liam Hammond, as well as five cousins. Danny is survived by many friends whom she dearly loved. In addition to Willie, she was predeceased by her parents and siblings.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Schraders, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home. Contributions can be made to the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens.
Raymond Jack Walts: 1943 – 2024
Raymond Jackson “Jack” Walts, age 81, passed peacefully at Davis Hospice on December 23, 2024. He was born September 17, 1943 in Waukegan, Illinois to Richard Elmer Walts and Virginia Jane Walts (Grommet). Jack honorably served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot, earning a number of awards and recognitions, including the Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters. He graduated from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri, and pursued his Masters degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Jack spent his career with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a civil engineer specializing in flood relief and irrigation management across the Mountain West. He was often called upon for special assignments where his expertise could be trusted to solve complex problems. He managed to retire for the entirety of a few short weeks before volunteering for the local volunteer fire department in Evansville, Wyoming where his physicality, strength, and drive to care for others shined bright.
Jack was so much more than a decorated Veteran, accomplished engineer, and firefighter. He was proud of his service and profession, but his true passion was people. He met every new face with the hope of a potential new friend and the opportunity to be of service. He was happiest when he was helping someone and easing the load of whatever burden they happened to be carrying. He was the quintessential son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and always a loyal friend. He was forever most proud of his title of “Papa Jack” and loved being known as the neighborhood papa.
Jack impacted the lives of many. He had a gift for knowing what people needed and when they needed it most. He was the ultimate confidant and advisor. He played instrumental roles in every church he and his family attended, served on the boards of a variety of civic organizations, and volunteered at his children’s schools; best known in Casper for his famous popsicle draw bridge at Crest Hill Elementary and teaching innovative math strategies to a bewildered 7th grade class at CY Junior High.
While Jack was often found telling jokes, singing obscure lyrics from old songs, and ensuring everyone valued the lighter side of life, he was a soulful renaissance man whose passions for the deep came to life through his affinity for poetry, philosophy, and great literary works. He shared a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, always striving to perfect his woodworking skills and fostering relationships with good friends he deeply admired who were ultimately more like family to him than friends.
Jack lived a rich life, bringing joy to all who had the opportunity to experience the sparkle in his eyes and his contagious smile. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Walts; his wife, Betty G. Walts (Meguire); and his daughter, Amanda Jane Jagoditsh (Walts). He is survived by, and will be profoundly missed by his mother, Virginia Jane Walts; twin sister, Sharon Pochek; brother, Rick (Mary) Walts; daughter, Sheila (David) Bush; step-daughter, Michelle (Henry) Biggart; step-son, Mark (Jamee) Petersen; and son in-law, Dan (Amanda) Jagoditsh. His grandchildren are: Josh Baker, Laura Baker, Lindsey Biggart, Preston Biggart, Blake Petersen, Benjamin Bush, and Ryan Bush. He has one great-grandson, Austin Reed.
Services will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on Friday, January 17 at 10 a.m.
