John Robert Menghini: 1960 – 2024
John Robert Menghini passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 64.
John was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming and raised in Cheyenne, where he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School. A talented athlete, he made history as the school’s first state champion wrestler in 1979. He went on to study at the University of Wyoming, earning degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Business Management.
John began his career with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Rawlins, Wyoming before relocating to Reno, Nevada, where he served as the Oil and Gas Program Lead for the State of Nevada until his retirement in 2022.
John was a dedicated supporter of Little Flower Catholic Grade School, Bishop Manogue High School in Reno, Nevada and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His generosity and commitment to these causes reflected his deep sense of community and compassion.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Caroline and Leno Menghini. John is survived by his daughter, Lena Menghini; his siblings: Paul (Jorunn) Menghini, Mark (Nina) Menghini, Karen (Moss) Kent, Gary (Nancy) Menghini, and Linda (Michael) Buczynski; his nieces and nephews: Caroline (JB) Baudens, Brian (Casey) Menghini, Nicholas {Laura) Menghini, Kellie Menghini, Matthew Kent, Moss Kent, and Emily Buczynski; as well as numerous cousins and his significant other, Versa Nading DeToffoli and her two daughters Emily and Hayden.
A Rosary will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2024, at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Funeral Home in Cheyenne, Wyoming at 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will follow on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with interment at Olivet Cemetery immediately after. A reception in John’s memory will be held at Little America in the Cheyenne Room at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome. A memorial service will be held in Reno at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Cheyenne, or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
John will be remembered for his big heart, friendship and the kindness he shared with those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
Leslie D. Nott: 1957 – 2024
Leslie, D. Nott (Les), 67 years old, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on 6 Jul 1957, in Eldora, Iowa to Larry Nott and Oliva Wright.
Les Nott, at 17 years old, joined the Army and served for 23 years. His initial assignment was Ft Polk, Louisiana for basic training. Once he completed his Airborne training at Ft. Benning Georgia, he was sent to Vicenza, Italy as an Airborne specialist; here he met Raffaella, married and had two sons. Leif and Eric. He remained in Italy for five years and then came back to Red Stone, Alabama for another two years. He returned to Europe, Germany as an ammunitions specialist and remained for five years, from there he completed his military service and retired from the Army. He settled in Cheyenne, Wyoming with his family.
His main hobby was spelunking, fishing, walking and exploring his surrounding mountains; he was an avid news reader. He enjoyed watching science-fiction movies and spending quality time with his family and his dogs, Sammy and Jax.
He is survived by his wife, Raffaella; son, Eric; daughter in-law, Stephanie; granddaughter, Sophia; and grandson, Zach. He was preceded in death by his son, Leif Nott (lost his life in the Iraq conflict); dad, Larry Nott; step-mother, Shirley Nott; and step-father, Steve Wright.
Services at 2 p.m., Friday, in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Interment and military honors will take place at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. A reception will be held at The Gathering Place.
Shirley Mae Thornberg: 1937 – 2024
Shirley Mae Thornberg, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away on December 30, 2024, at the Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was born on May 26, 1937, in Hillsboro, North Dakota, where she also graduated high school as part of the class of 1955.
Shirley dedicated thirty impactful years of her life to her career at K-Mart, from which she retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment. She was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge for over fifty years, where she made lasting connections and found a sense of belonging.
In addition to her professional life, Shirley was known for her vibrant personality and diverse interests. She enjoyed playing bingo and cherished her visits to the hair salon, particularly her time spent with Michelle Kanzler. A diehard Denver Broncos fan, she relished discussing the weather and always put the safety and well-being of her family first.
Shirley is survived by her loving family, including her daughters: Natalie Milligan, Sandra Milligan, and Tamie Oesch; her sons, Gary Milligan and Marlin Milligan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Charmaine and Ryan Deniken, Shaun Milligan, Morgan Milligan, and Taylor Powers; as well as her great-grandchild, Alexandra Milligan. Additionally, Shirley is remembered by her sisters, Phyllis Rensland and Janet Melville; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley will forever be missed by her adopted family members, Michelle Kanzler and Valerie Martin, who held a special place in her heart. She was predeceased by her husband, John Thornberg; her brother, Kenny Thornberg; and her parents, Roy and Adeline Elise Thorson. Shirley’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
