Clifford Louis Erikson: 1959 – 2024
Clifford Louis Erikson (Cliff, Cliffy, Cliff Clavin), 65, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away on August 12, 2024, from complications of septic shock following open-heart surgery in Loveland, Colorado.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined.
Cliff was born in Deadwood, South Dakota on March 27, 1959 to Leon and Helen Jeanne (Sayler) Erikson. He graduated from Lead-Deadwood High School in 1977. He then went onto work with his older brother, Marvin, whom he looked up to so much and considered a second father, working at Midwest Custom Pools in Vivian, South Dakota. He then went on to acquire his Journeyman Plumber’s Apprentice Certificate from Mitchell Area Votech in Mitchell, South Dakota in May 1982.
He met the love of his life, Cynthia (Cindy) Hodges-Erikson in Vivian, South Dakota in March 1980. They married in Presho, South Dakota, in the American Lutheran Church on August 28, 1982. At the time of his passing , he and Cindy had been together 42 years.
Cliff and Cindy immediately relocated to Gillette, Wyoming where Cliff had a job lined up at Sheesley’s Plumbing. In 1985, Cliff transitioned to working as a wholesale salesman to a job at Gillette Winsupply (formerly known as Winnelson) where he worked until 2003. While employed with Gillette Winsupply, Cliff earned Salesman of the Year in the entire state of Wyoming and served on the chamber for the City of Gillette Chamber of Commerce. From that time until the Spring of 2016, Cliff continued his career in sales selling heavy machine hydraulic supplies for Powder River Power to all of Gillette’s surrounding coal mines and natural gas and oil companies. Cliff was extremely proud and took great pride in the fact that his career considered of only two long-term places of employment. Unfortunately, in early 2016, Cliff was forced to retire due to his health.
Cliff and Cindy were abundantly blessed with their daughter, Kaitlin, who was born in August of 1986, and twin sons, Luke and Zachary, who were born in September 1991. Further, their hearts grew exponentially when Cliff and his family welcomed their family dog, Yorkie Chester, in December 2008. He also was a proud Papa to his three grandpuppies: Buddy Chester, Abby Ella Grace and Penelope Jeanne.
Cliff was an avid jokester and prided himself on always making people smile and laugh. He loved to fish, hunt, go on scenic drives and to the lake, the outdoors, tinker around, work in and spend time on his lawn, darts but most of all, above all else, Cliff loved spending time with his family and loved ones.
Also, Cliff greatly cherished and reminisced the time he spent after high school in Vivian, South Dakota where he made lifelong friends and was able to spend time with his extended family. Further, he greatly admired and cared for the second family he made in the Wanke Family of Gillette, Wyoming.
Finally, Cliff’s family would like to mention how Cliff was a humble man full of integrity, who took great pride in always doing the right thing and treating others with respect and kindness. He never knew a stranger.
Cliff is survived by his loving spouse, Cindy Erikson; daughter, Kaitlin; twin sons, Luke and Zachary Erikson; and grandpuppy, Penelope Jeanne. Further, he is survived by his older sister, Sandra (Punk) Glover; older brother, Marvin (Evie) Erikson; sisters-in-law, Ellen Erikson and Pam Altenburg; and 53 nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Cliff is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Helen Jeanne Erikson; his older brother, Leslie Erikson; one family dog, Yorkie Chester; and two grandpuppies, Buddy Chester and Abby Ella Grace. He is also preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Rodger and Lois Hodges; and his brother-in-law, Loren Hodges.
In Cliff’s honor, the family would love stories, memories, pictures, etc. to be shared on his Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help cover unexpected medical and burial expenses can be made to a GoFundMe Fundraiser account located at: https://gofund.me/3034adc5
Also, donations may also be sent to the following address:
Zachary Erikson
1306 West Fifth Avenue
Gillette, WY 82716
Michael Dahmer: 1954 – 2024
Michael Lee Dahmer, 70, Gillette, Wyoming, peacefully passed away on August 16, 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Born in Denver, Colorado to William and Maxine Dahmer, Mike was a loving, supportive, and helpful boy. Mike was fiercely passionate about law enforcement from the start and dedicated his life to both his pursuit of law enforcement and his family.
After he graduated, Mike landed his first job as a US ARMY MP. This kickstarted a career in law enforcement. In 1972, Mike met his wife, Cindy, and went on to have three children. Mike put family first, always, and was a dedicated father.
Mike was a senior police investigator for the Military Police, he also went to international DEA drug school while stationed overseas in Korea. After the military, Mike went on to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was hired by the Buffalo Police Department in Buffalo, Wyoming in July of 1978. Mike held many titles for the Buffalo Police Department including investigator for all child crimes, sergeant, lieutenant, and chief. He also assisted in setting up and even sat on the board of directors and board of advisors for the Crisis Center. Mike helped establish the Johnson County Group Home and sat on the board of directors and advisors. Mike was also a volunteer firefighter and helped with many fires, also with the lost fire and Yellowstone fires to name a couple. In August of 2008, Mike retired from the Buffalo Police Department. He and Cindy moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where he worked for Circus Circus Casino as a security officer until 2013 when he decided to retire fully.
Mike was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance were the foundation of his family.
Mike spent most of his retirement with Cindy and his family. Mike was predeceased by his wife, Cindy; parents, Bill and Maxine; brother, Bob; and one grandson; and he leaves behind two brothers, Bill and Jim; three children: Mina, Bill, and Laura; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
May he rest in peace knowing he was loved and cherished by all who knew him.
