Obituaries: Huseas; Key; Larsen; Montoya Sr.; Morrison; Poste; Tripeny; Wolfe

Aug 19, 2023

Lloyd Huseas

Lloyd Huseas: 1955 – 2023

Lloyd Huseas, 68, passed away peacefully at his Bar Nunn home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, July 29, 2023, after battling cancer. Born Jan. 4, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Samuel and Elizabeth Huseas, he moved to Casper during his junior year of high school and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1973. The following year, he married his high school sweetheart, Lori Durnell.

Being the outgoing guy that he was, Lloyd enjoyed working with, and mentoring, many co-workers through his career, which was mainly in sales and management in the oil and uranium field industry. He worked for Watson Truck and Supply, Moore Bearing/Applied Industrial Technology, and Casper Well Products before retiring in 2019.

He was an avid fisherman, participating in many tournaments with his sons, grandson, and fishing buddies over the years. He often joked about being a semi-pro fisherman. He enjoyed the outdoors whether fishing and camping or mowing his manicured lawn and tending his pumpkin patch. Lloyd also spent many years playing recreation softball for Darenco and Fluid Power. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed working on his many toys, with a beer in-hand, in his well-organized man cave. He also enjoyed hitting the road in his Corvette, cheering on his beloved Denver Broncos, trips to Deadwood with the Shriners, and relaxing with a dog in his lap.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 49 years, Lori Huseas; their three children, Jessica Heide (Erik), Justin Huseas (Kim), and James Huseas (Danielle); sisters Suzanne Huseas and Samantha Huseas; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Bishops Point Shelter on Pathfinder Lake, after which a BBQ will be held. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish and BYOB. Attire should be casual and NFL or fishing themed if possible.

Bring your fishing poles and wet a line in Lloyd’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions.

Carleton Harvey Key: 1937 – 2023

Born October 23, 1937 to Claude J. & Evelyn G. Key in Beaverton, Oregon. Died August 1, 2023 peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family.

Carl is survived by his wife of 67 years, Evelyn; three children: son Keith Key, of Casper, Wyoming, daughter Pamella (Wayne) Brown of Wichita, Kansas and son Ted (Connie) Key of Casper, Wyoming; seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Dana, Kayla, Kelsey, Jacob, Devin and Kyle; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Carl was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Pam Key; brothers Scott and Kelly Key; mother, Evelyn Key (Cichonski); and father Claude Key.

Carl graduated from Natrona County High School in 1955, where he was a member of the ROTC. After high school Carl worked several different jobs before joining the local carpenter’s union. Carl worked for Francis Nichols, John Pierce and brother Scott Key before starting his own construction company, Kewee Construction. Later, Carl partnered with nephew Mark Gardner in Platte River Builders. Carl retired from construction around 2008. He then went to work for Walmart around 2009 and retired from Walmart in 2018.

Carl loved to golf, camp and fish with his family. He cherished spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Carl loved arrowhead hunting. His favorite place to be was at his mountain property and cabin. He and his wife Evelyn spent most of their spare time at their beloved cabin prior to its burning in the Sheep Herder Hill fire. Some of Carl’s proudest accomplishments include being Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 62, President of the Wyoming Home Builders Association and of course mentoring all of his children and grandchildren.

Carl was a great friend, husband, father and grandfather. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life will occur at a later date.

Tori Jill Larsen: 1968 – 2023

Tori Jill Larsen passed away on Friday July 28, with her son and friends by her side. She was born October 8.1968 in Douglas, Wyoming. She attended school in Douglas, Midwest, and Gillette. She graduated from Douglas High School in 1987. She loved to travel and created a resume that included Wrangler, Coach Driver, BBQ Grill Master, Cake Decorator, File Clerk, Sales, Land Researcher and Bartender. Even though she traveled and worked all over the west, she always returned home to Wyoming.

In 1991 she met and married Richard Jastifer. They moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan and welcomed their son Austin in 1992. They moved back to Wyoming the following year. After her return to Wyoming, Tori made her mark in the real estate and title industry where she made many lasting friendships. She loved to sing and was always willing to take the mic for any event.

Tori is survived by her son, Austin Jastifer of Casper; parents Jim and Bobbie Larsen of Sun City West, Arizona; a sister, Shawn Rene (Travis) Sorenson of Sturgis, South Dakota; brothers Brett (Candy) Larsen of Douglas, and JR (Kathleen) Larsen of Cheyenne. She is also survived by grandchildren Kiley Wilcox of Cheyenne, and Milo Jastifer of Casper. She is also survived by seven nieces and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by one grandchild, Maci Campbell, and a very supportive person in Tori’s life, Kenneth Simonton.

She was a devoted member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church and an active participant in Stage III productions. Services will be at St. Stephens Episcopal church on Saturday August 19, 11:00 a.m.

Richard David Montoya Sr.: 1950 – 2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Richard David Montoya Sr. of Casper, Wyoming. Richard passed away at the age of 72 on Friday July 28, 2023, in Windsor, Colorado. Richard passed away surrounded by his loved ones after a battle of Alzheimer’s.

Richard worked owning his own fencing company. You would always catch him at Sutherlands getting all of his supplies loaded up into his old white chevy pickup that he taught all his grandkids how to drive a stick shift in. On his free time, he was always spending time with his grandkids either fishing, bowling, shooting pool, or going on long bike rides. Showing them what “real” music was, by playing his old record player with either The Beatles or The Eagles playing. While we all hung out in the garage enjoying each other’s company.

Richard also spent a lot of time outside with the love of his life Candy fixing up the yard, or even while she was doing that Richard would be working on his full dresser Harley. Getting it ready for the Sturgis Rally that he went to every year with his kids, wife, and grandkids. Richard would always have a swishers cigar in hand sitting outside enjoying the weather. Richard was a comedian; he would always have his crazy sayings that stuck onto his grandkids till today. “Razzle Dazzle, or show me the Rodney”.

Richard Montoya Sr. was born December 15,1950, to Jake Montoya Sr. and Pauline Montoya in Casper, Wyoming. He is survived by the love of his life of 57 years Candy Montoya; his three children that he loved dearly; oldest daughter Devona (Travis) Waddell; his middle daughter Tracie Montoya; his only son Richard (Ricky) (Kayci) Montoya. He had 10 grandchildren: first grandchild, Sherea (Estevan) Lopez, Elysha Montoya, Jordan Seymore, Joel Montoya, Teanna Montoya, Kambrya Montoya, Gilbert Waddell, Orion Montoya, Devon Williams, Trinity Williams. He also had three great-grandchildren: Hazel Mae Lopez, Santos Abel Lopez, and Journey Renee Montoya.

He is survived by His siblings Pricilla (Joe) Romero of Casper, Wyoming; Tina (Harry) Greenberg of Denver, Colorado; Cecilia (Steve) Gottfried of Atascadero, California; Paul (Janae) Rivera of Casper, Wyoming; and Roy Mestas Jr. of Casper, Wyoming.

His nieces and nephews: Tricia Miller, Kim Montoya, Louis Montoya Jr., Andrew Mestas, Anthony Mestas, Chelsey Rhodes, Paul Rivera Jr., Mariah Griffin, Adam Cisneros, Matt Cisneros, Luis Romero, Celisha Rivera, Joshua Rivera, Vanessa Martin, Leeanne Greenberg, James Gottfried, Caleb Gottfried, Raquel Gottfried, Sareah Gottfried, Jordan Gottfried, Andrea Montoya, Andy Montoya Jr., Amber Larmier, Reneil Cisneros, Michkell Rooker,Shanna Montoya, Jake Montoya Jr., and Joe Fuller.

He loved everybody so much. Richard had a heart of gold. You would always see him out in his backyard fixing his Harleys, or down at his brother Jakes’ house spending time with him and his other older brother Louis.

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Morrison: 1932 – 2023

Mary Lou Morrison – artist, educator, activist, community advocate, mother and wife – left this world the evening of July 31, 2023 with family by her side. She was 90. She is remembered as creative, generous, fiercely independent, cheerful, of sharp intellect, and a proud Wyoming Democrat.

Mary Lou was born to Herman and Osa (Leedom) Tjaden December 26th, 1932, on her family’s wheat farm near Clearwater, Kansas. She had four older siblings – Marjorie, Carol, Kathleen and Herman Jr. During her 4th grade year, Mary Lou’s mother passed and she was raised by her three sisters.

She graduated from Clearwater High School in 1950 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Art in 1956 from Kansas State University. Two years later she received a teaching certificate and taught art in Wichita. During college summers, she worked at a Colorado dude ranch and later for Boeing Aircraft performing layout and paste-up for flight operation manuals while earning her teaching credentials.

She moved to Casper in 1960 to work for the Natrona County School District as a traveling art teacher in the elementary schools before being hired as Kelly Walsh High School’s first art teacher when it opened in 1965. As an art educator, Mary Lou encouraged kids and adults alike to explore their imagination and creativity. She was the creator of the Children’s Discovery Center at the Nicolaysen Art Museum and shepherded its growth and eventual move from the original location in a refurbished warehouse on Rancho Road to its current location. Many of the art stations at the NIC’s Discovery Center are her creations.

She was a prolific artist and her works include watercolor, sculpture, oils and printmaking. Her gyotaku (fish printing) and woodblock prints were especially unique. Inspired by Wyoming’s natural beauty, both artistically and as an activist, she worked passionately to protect the state’s land, air and water. She was fearless about voicing her opinions and was especially concerned about Wyoming’s Red Desert and climate change.

Shortly after she moved to Casper, Mary Lou met her husband Angus (Angie) Morrison at Hogadon Ski Area and they were married June 29,1963. An avid skier (cross country and downhill), hiker and naturalist, she spent many days camping, backpacking, canoeing and exploring in Wyoming’s Laramie, Wind River, Big Horn and Absaroka Mountain Ranges with her husband, daughter and friends.

She was proud of her Kansas farm roots and loved riding horses. During her early years in Casper, she taught riding at Dempsey Stables located at the base of Casper Mountain. She took her young daughter on many riding adventures near Garden Creek and on Casper’s Bridle Trail. Miraculously, she also coaxed impressive crops of tomatoes and flowers from the hardpan soil of her downtown Casper home where she lived for 60 years.

Her talents as a volunteer, artist and organizer contributed to strengthening many social, political, environmental and art organizations including the Wyoming Conservation Voters Education Fund, the NIC, Poverty Resistance, Unitarian Universalist Community of Casper, Powder River Basin Resource Council, Wyoming Outdoor Council, Casper Mountain Racers and the Natrona County Democrats.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Robyn Morrison (Greg Aitkenhead) of Casper; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial and celebration of her life will be held at the Nicolaysen Art Museum on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

The family is grateful to her neighbors, friends, and staff at Mountain Plaza Assisted Living and hospice for their kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an organization close to your heart in honor of Mary Lou’s legacy of activism and service.

John Donald Poste: 1965 – 2023

John Donald Poste, 58, of Evansville, Wyoming passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023.

John D. Poste was born June 17, 1965 in Rapid City, South Dakota to Donald and Ginny (Hayes) Poste. The family moved to Casper, Wyoming when John was about 4 years old. John graduated from Kelly Walsh High School and received an Associate Degree in Art from the Colorado Institute of Art.

John loved the outdoors, kayaking, and camping. He believed in God and lived his faith; he cared about people and was always helping someone. John had a very kind heart. John loved his family, friends, and especially his dog, Willie.

John was preceded in death by his father, Donald Magnus; infant brother, Douglas; and sister, Becky Slack.

John is survived by his wife, Georgia Kane; mother, Ginny; brothers, Ross and Weston.

Patricia Ann Tripeny: 1933 – 2023

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church for Casper Native, Pat Tripeny, who died August 3, 2023, in Casper.

Patricia Ann Kelliher was born May 1, 1933, in Casper, Wyoming, the youngest daughter of Maurice Kelliher, Co. Kerry, and Mary Mahoney, Co. Cork, Ireland.

She graduated from St. Anthony’s grade school and Natrona County High School. She received an Associate of Arts degree from Casper College in 1953 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in education in 1955 from Loretta Heights College in Denver (now Regis University). In 1955, she married John (Jack) B. Tripeny, Jr., pharmacist, and owner of Tripeny Drug Store.

With total acceptance of the role in life that was given to her, Pat wrote a summary of her life as of the year 1988:

My husband died in 1971 following open heart surgery. (Pat was age 38). We had adopted three sons and one daughter from infancy, and I continued to raise four children as a single parent. They were ages 11, 10, 6, and 4 at the time of their father’s death. My youngest son died in 1975 at the age of nine in a sledding accident in Colorado during a family Christmas vacation. In 1981, my second youngest son died at the age of 18 in a car accident coming home for Christmas vacation. (Pat would later lose her third son, age 40, heart attack, in 2001). These losses…are significant events in my life and ultimately resulted in the direction I chose to respond to these tragedies…Through a strong family support system, psychological counseling, and a faith commitment, mother and daughter weathered many storms, and proved resilient to life, and grew through productive relationships. I grew in awareness of the sensitivity and needs of others through experiential suffering, especially in the area of losing loved ones.

Pat’s mother lived to be age 99, living in a nursing home for 12 years. Pat, describes this as a “magnet to me in ministering to the elderly.” Pat’s Catholic faith was important to her and she was active in the social justice ministry within her church and community, visiting the sick and homebound. She served as a church organist at St. Anthony’s Church for numerous years. She was a member of the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists. She took the Hospice training course and found it to be a “very moving experience” and used it to serve a St. Anthony’s Church member during her dying months. Pat was a Eucharistic minister. She coordinated other ministers to visit the sick in the hospital, nursing homes, and the home-bound. She participated in Pax Christi, Contemplative Outreach, RENEW, and the CARITAS faith community. She served as a member of the board of directors for the Habitat of Humanity—Heart of Wyoming; served on the original Seton Board; and was active in Literary Volunteers of America for several years.

Pat enjoyed Nordic skiing. She loved to garden and valued her membership in the Town & Country Garden Club. Pat cherished her visits with neighbors; participated in book clubs; and hosted family and friends in her lovely home. She re-created the Tripeny Drug Store in the basement of her home.

Survivors include her daughter, Ann Velarde; her sister-in-law, Lois Shickich; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; sons, Larry, Paul, and John; and her sisters, Rosaleen Webster, Mary Kelliher, BVM, and Rita Rochelle.

The family expresses their gratitude to Hospice and Meadow Winds for their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to: St. Joseph’s Children’s Home, PO Box 1117, Torrington, WY 82240; the Blue Envelope Health Fund; Central Wyoming Hospice; or to the donor’s choice.

As Pat said, “Through joys and trials, I continue to thank God for what has been, what is happening in the present, and for whatever the future is in the here and hereafter. Blessings to all.”

David William “Bill” Wolfe: 1924 – 2023

Longtime Casper resident David W. “Bill” Wolfe passed away August 3, 2023, at the age of 99.

Known for how much he loved to dance, and to drive, Bill was born February 10, 1924, in Tulsa, in a house built by his father, John Wolfe.

He attended Tulsa schools and graduated from Tulsa Central High School, where he had a crush on his future wide, Pauline Livingston.

After graduating in 1941, he joined the US Army and served as a Master Sergeant in World War II. After the war, Bill attended Oklahoma State University, joined Sigma Nu fraternity, and met Norma Lee Jones of Cushing.

The two married in 1950, and he finished his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at the University of Tulsa. In 1951 Bill was called back to the Army, serving at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, where his daughter, Janet, was born in the Army hospital.

The little family returned to Tulsa, and Bill took a sales job with Orbit Valve Company, working through out the Midwest, New Mexico and Texas.

In time he took a sales job with Charles Wheatley Co, and the family moved to Casper in 1962. Since his territory included the entire Rocky Mountains, he was able to indulge his passions for driving, geology, and history, then dancing at the Holiday Inn when he got home.

Bill also loved antique cars and car parts, collecting coins, stamps, and license plates, an meeting fellow enthusiasts.

Bill and his wife Lee divorced in 1974. Not long afterward he spotted his high school crush Pauline Livingston (now Baxter) across the room at Casper’s Holiday Inn. They married in November 1975. They could be seen dancing at the Eagles, the Senior Center, and even won a dance trophy on a Mississippi River boat cruise.

After Pauline’s death in 2005, Bill’s sense of humor and passion for life helped him carry on. He drove cars for Greiner Ford and later Budget Rent a Car. His daughter returned to Casper in January 2007, and they set out on some new adventures and road trips.

A private burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, where Bill’s ashes will be placed next to those of his wife Pauline. Cremation has been conducted by Newcomer Casper.