James F. Spaulding: 1947 – 2023
Jim Spaulding joined his “beautiful bride” in heaven on February 11, 2023, following complications related to his lifelong battle with multiple sclerosis.
His last days were spent with family in the comfort of Hospice of Laramie. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was born January 23, 1947 in Casper Wyoming to Rodney and Julia (McKee) Spaulding. Along with his sisters and brother, he grew up in Casper and was a proud member of the Natrona County High School Class of 1965. Classmates became lifelong friends who visited and traveled with as often as possible. Most of his career was spent working for Kerr McGee. First in Casper as a surveyor seismographer, then in Gillette at the Jacobs Ranch coal mine as a train loader, heavy equipment operator and haul truck driver.
After retiring and returning to Casper, he volunteered at the National Historic Trails Center and delivered Meals on Wheels. Throughout his life he was a member of the Elks Lodge and belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
He and his wife were very involved with many groups at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He married Patricia in the summer of 1975 at the Spaulding Cabin and St. Patrick’s Church in 1976. They attended school together and met at their tenth high school reunion. With their union he was blessed with Patti’s daughter, Becky, and he immediately adopted her to be his forever father. In March 1978, he was blessed with his son Rob, who was always a source of pride for him.
At the age of 18, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. With the disease in remission he enjoyed a life full of hunting, camping, traveling and especially fishing.
To know Jim was to love Jim, and his kindness, sincerity and sense of humor that he shared with this world will be unmatched and greatly missed. He was a wonderful son and brother, a loyal friend and an exemplary father.
His loved ones who predeceased him are his father Rod, his mother Julia and the love of his life, his wife Patricia.
He leaves behind his daughter Becky (Cobb), son Rob, grandchildren Tayler McClure (Andrew), Chad Cobb and great-grandson Thane McClure. He is also survived by his sister Judy Gerard (Bobby), sister Janice Spaulding-Zysk (Edwin), sister Jeanine Larson and brother John Spaulding.
His son and daughter would like to thank Life Care of Casper, The Care Center of Laramie and especially Hospice of Laramie for their extraordinary kindness shown to Jim and his visiting family during his stay.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on Friday, February 17, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with burial and reception to follow. Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America or Hospice of Laramie in Jim’s name.
Ken Gustafson: 1939 – 2023
Kenneth “Ken” Lee Gustafson, 83, of Casper, died Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Central Wyoming Hospice Center after a rapidly declining health.
Ken was born and raised in Casper Wyoming to Carl V. and Margaret A. Gustafson on June 30, 1939. He attended Willard School, Dean Morgan Junior High and Natrona County High School- Class of 1958. He then graduated at Casper College with a degree in Electronics. At that point in his life, he was drafted but enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Conyngham (DDG-17) and served from 1962 to 1966. In the Navy he was able to see many ports of call around the world and often shared traditions from those countries. This is probably where his passion for ketchup began. After his honorable discharge from his service, he returned to Casper and met the love of his life, Patsy A. Matzke. They married on October 15, 1966 and welcomed two children into their world. He worked in engine repair, uranium fields on a probe truck, Control Data and then went into business for himself, Kenny’s Engine Repair. There wasn’t a small engine he couldn’t understand and he was very meticulous, but the family quickly recognized the engine brands he didn’t like. He owned this business until his retirement in 2005. He spent a lot of time outdoors with his family in the mountains and lakes, taking a wide variety of campers from campers to five wheels over the years. He had a love for boats and rebuilding things. He rebuilt his beloved 1963 Willy’s Jeep, the “Scummer,” which was able to express his love of “bright” colors.
She attended church over the years and was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. He had a strong and unwavering faith in the Lord and was grateful for all the blessings God provided in his life.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patsy A. of Casper, WY, daughter, Anna (Jon) of Casper, WY and son Henry (Debbie) of Moraga, CA. Grandchildren, Joseph Kinder (fiancé-Taylor) Casper WY, Drew Gustafson (fiancée-Melanie) Houston TX, Mark Kinder (fiancée-Delaney) Casper WY, Caroline Gustafson Moraga CA and Juliana Gustafson, Moraga CA. Kenneth leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret A. and Carl V. Gustafson, his brother Carl A. Gustafson and grandson, Mackinzie M. Gustafson.
A memorial service for Ken will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11:00 am at Mountain View Baptist Church in Mills with military honors. A private inurnment will be held at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville, WY at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Casper Humane Society (849 East E Street, Casper, WY 82601) or Mountain View Baptist, (4250 Poison Spider Road, Mills, WY 82604)
Arrangements are under the direction of newcomer Casper.
Sylvia E. Raver: 1944 – 2023
Sylvia E. Raver, 78, of Casper, Wyoming, died Thursday, February 9, 2023, in Casper.
Sylvia was born on October 15, 1944 to Elmer and Ruby Stoneking in Torrington, Wyoming. She was one of seven children and a 1963 graduate of Natrona County High School.
Sylvia met the love of her life and husband of 57 years, Jack D. Raver, married in June 1963. Together they had three children, Tammy, Roger and John.
Sylvia was a very active and involved mother and wife. She was a campfire girls leader, a mother to Cub Scouts and very involved in her children’s lives. She was always available and there for all her children through their school years and beyond. Once the children grew up and left the family home, she took up crafts and even a cake decorating course at university to fill her days. Then the grandchildren arrived, she was a very involved and supportive grandmother.
Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; and brothers, Clyde and Bert Stoneking.
She is survived by her children, Tammy Raver, Roger (Jen) Raver and John Raver; grandsons, Cooper and Painter; Brothers, Jim Stoneking, Orvie Stoneking, Roger (Eileen) Stoneking, Wayne Stoneking and Lola Stoneking; numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Casper Newcomer Chapel with a light reception to follow.
Arrangements are under the direction of newcomer Casper.
