Sue Elizabeth Quinn: 1944 – 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sue Quinn, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Sue passed away peacefully on Oct. 10, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and closest friends.
Sue was born on Oct. 23, 1944. From an early age, she displayed a kind and nurturing spirit that would shape her extraordinary life. She dedicated herself to the welfare of others, leaving an indelible impact on all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Sue’s professional journey led her to become an esteemed legal secretary. for over three decades, she diligently served at the State of Wyoming Public Defenders office in Gillette, displaying unwavering dedication and exceptional organizational skills. Her commitment to her profession and her innate attention to detail made her an invaluable asset to the legal community.
Beyond her career, Sue’s true passion was her family. As a devoted wife to her late husband, William Quinn she created a home based on love, kindness, and unwavering support. Together, they raised a beautiful family, instilling in their children the values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance.
Sue’s selflessness extended beyond her immediate family. After her own children had grown, she turned her attention to fostering children in need. Providing love, support, guidance, and a nurturing home, she touched the lives of countless foster children, leaving an indelible mark of love and acceptance. Her boundless generosity was an inspiration to all who crossed her path.
In addition to her exceptional professional accomplishments and her dedication to her family, Sue was a cherished friend and confidante. Her warm smile and kind heart brought joy into the lives of those around her. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and loved, and her radiant spirit will be greatly missed by all.
A private memorial service will be held in Alton, Illinois, where she will be laid to rest next to her parents, husband and son.
Sue’s legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace, knowing the profound impact she made in the lives of others.
Austin Ray Wilkerson: 2001 – 2023
Austin Ray Wilkerson, 21, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on Sept. 29, 2023, from suicide. Austin was born to Cole and Jennifer (Ottre) Wilkerson on Nov. 3, 2001.
Austin was raised in Gillette, Wyoming, and graduated from Colter High School in 2019. Since childhood, Austin kept his belongings and his room organized with everything being just right. He was a collector of hats and shoes; he had a passion for music and was learning to play the guitar. Austin’s favorite animal was the wolf.
Austin always tried to find a way to make you laugh, even if it meant annoying his parents or siblings. Austin had a huge heart and loved so many people and was loved by all. Austin could usually be found driving his car, listening to his music or thinking at local parks.
Austin is survived by his parents, Cole (Wendy) Wilkerson; Jennifer Wilkerson (Wesley Munson); brothers, Connor and Maddox; sister, Hailey; grandparents, Larry and Linda Wilkerson, Jack and Deb Ottre, and Richard and Cheryl Maher; uncles, Jay Ottre, Cory (Shelly) Ottre, and Lonnie Wilkerson; aunts, Becky Hanson, Amanda (Doug) Genz, and Toni Merritt; cousins, Chris Hanson, Brandon Hanson, Lacey (Kyle) Toppari, Casey (Alexa) Merritt, Andrew Merritt, Alex Genz, Abby Genz and Abe Ottre.
Austin leaves behind many close friends and his dog, Apollo.
He is preceded in death by his best friend, Tylyr Gray and daughter, Priscilla Lynn Campbell.
Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St., Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.
Norman Duffy Jenniges: 1946 – 2023
Norman Dane Jenniges, or “Duffy” as he is known to most, was born on June 13, 1946, to Valentine Jenniges Sr. and Rebecca Schleve in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He lived in Hot Springs for most of his youth and attended Hot Springs area schools.
Duffy’s first job was as a meat cutter for a butcher in a local grocer. It was here that he originally developed his strong work ethic and a new skill set that would help him in the future as a hunter. After completing school, Duffy joined the United States Air Force. While serving in Vietnam in the second of two tours, Duffy was seriously injured during an attack. It was during this crisis that Duffy received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Not long afterwards, he was discharged and truly returned to his life in the United States. Duffy entered treatment and committed himself to sober living.
Following this period, Duffy began to work at a halfway house with the interest of helping others towards stability, safety and sobriety. During this period of service, Duffy met DeeAnn and a relationship began to form. This connection expanded and deepened resulting in the two being wed on Jan. 16, 1978. By that fall, Duffy and DeeAnn welcomed their first child into the world. Donald Valentine Jenniges burst into the world with a mischievous grin and a keen interest in just about everything under the sun. Afterwards the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Duffy worked with the railroad for some years.
The family then relocated to Gillette, Wyoming, which would become Duffy’s home for the remainder of his days. He worked principally as a signal maintainer for the BNSF Railroad and had his railroad job for 20-plus years. In 1985, Duffy and DeeAnn welcomed a second son, Reese Dane Jenniges.
Duffy also became keenly interested in politics, helping local and statewide efforts for the Wyoming Democratic Party, and even running for office several times. Although his railroad vocation was a focus, Duffy’s real passion was volunteering. This was true whether he was working with fellow church members, recovering addicts, military veterans or simply those in need. One common refrain Duffy said was, “do the next right thing.” This phrase constituted the backbone of his philosophical playbook, which he applied to nearly every part of his daily life.
When he was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer in 2022, he fought the disease with both tenacity and grace. Duffy passed away at his home on Oct. 12, 2023, with his family by his side; he was 77 years old.
He was preceded in death by his father Valentine, his mother Rebecca, and his siblings, Ann Jenniges, Valentine Jenniges Jr., Richard Jenniges, and David Jenniges.
He is survived by his wife DeeAnn, his two sons Donny and Reese, and his siblings Jeannie Weasler, Mark Jenniges, Mick Jenniges, and Melissa Friedel.
Duffy was an avid hunter, political animal, devoted churchgoer, veterans advocate and ally to all in recovery.
A service in his honor will occur at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Grace Bible Church in Gillette, Wyoming, with a reception to follow also in Gillette. For those who cannot attend and would like to send letters, cards, or other appreciations, please send them to P.O. Box 1836, Gillette, WY 80027.
While the family is happy to receive flowers, food, and gifts, they understand that Duffy’s beliefs and actions were directly connected to helping others. As such, please send donations in his name to the Disabled American Veterans dav.org or to the Campbell County Senior Center arossi@gilletteseniors.org.
