Donald (Don) Allen Cowgar: 1936 – 2024
Donald (Don) Allen Cowgar, 87, of Casper, Wyoming, peacefully departed on September 27, 2024.
Born on November 28, 1936, in Casper, Wyoming, Don was born to Frank and Irene Cowgar. He attended Natrona County High School and later dedicated himself to working at CMI-TECO until his retirement in December of 2023.
His favorite past times were admiring nature, tending to the lawn, and playing virtual golf. He had an extensive interest in cars from working on them to attending car auctions for classic muscle cars.
Don is survived by his four children: Jeff, Staci (Adam), Cindy, and Tom; his brother, Jimmy Cowgar; his grandchildren: Jordan, Jadie, Caitlin, Colton, Jacob (Hanna), Jessica, Skye (Shadow), Aspen, Sabra’an, and Matthew; as well as 12 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Nanci Cowgar; his parents, Frank and Irene; his eldest brother, Gene Cowgar and his sister-in-law, Kathleen Cowgar.
He is greatly loved and missed by everyone who had the chance to sit and talk with him.
Sandra Lee Gablenz: 1949 – 2024
Sandra Gablenz, of Cheyenne, passed at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Sandra was born on December 22, 1949 to Vera and Fred Cooper in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sandra was a secretary for lawyers, US Marshals, doctors, the hospital, a veterinary clinic, and our church. She also had many side jobs. She loved working with people. She knew so many people and would take time out of her busy schedule to talk to them.
She made everyone feel loved and wanted. She also liked to crochet and cross-stitch. Baking was also one of her favorite things. Many of her co-workers, friends and family enjoyed her delicious cinnamon rolls, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and chocolate-chocolate cake (aka Texas sheet cake). She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings. She was in the Primary Presidency and Relief Society Presidency for many years. She did many great things serving others. She was a wonderful teacher of unconditional love and compassion.
She is survived by her brother, Greg Gablenz (Gayle) and sister, Marsha Mason (Greg); her daughters: Aimee Caldwell and Jessica Hurlburt (Fred); her grandchildren: Tyler Caldwell, Rochelle Crabtree (Eric), Christopher Crabtree (Payton), Gracie and Kent Hurlburt; her great-grandchildren: Jazmine, Eddie, Mateo, and Kensington; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sandra was preceded in death by her mother and father, Vera and Ray Gablenz; her biological father, Fred Cooper; her brothers, Brad and Kent Gablenz; her son-in -law, Sean Caldwell; great-grandson, Za’Kiyah; along with her grandparents; aunts; and uncles.
Peter S. Van Asten: 1958 – 2024
Peter S. Van Asten, age 65, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Campbell County Hospital with his daughter and son-in-law at his side after a short battle with cancer.
A celebration of life for Peter will be held at Rusty’s Backwater Saloon in Stevens Point on October 19, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m. and also in Gillette, Wyoming at a later date.
Peter was born on October 25, 1958 in Wisconsin Rapids to Marvin and Irene(Kempen)Van Asten. He grew up in Rudolph and graduated from Assumption High School as a member of the class of 1976. After graduation, Peter worked for Crescent Electric in Wisconsin Rapids. In 1993, he moved to Gillette, Wyoming and worked for Northland Industrial Specialties, LLC.
Peter enjoyed snowmobiling and spending time in the mountains of Wyoming. He also treasured his time spent with the best of friends. He also enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers in Bronco country. Peter is survived by two daughters, April (Vyron) Dixon, Alysa (Jonathan) Rotella; two grandchildren, Oliviana and Lorenzo Rotella; siblings: Joan (Dan)Kelnhofer, Michael (Tracy)Van Asten, Mark (Barb)Van Asten, Alan (Lori)Van Asten, and Larry (Renee)Van Asten.
Peter is further survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by parents, Marvin and Ireve Van Asten.
Peter’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his daughter, April, for the time spent in Gillette and being with her dad the last weeks of his life. The family would also like to thank Legacy Living and Rehabilitation and Campbell County Hospice for their compassionate care for Peter.
Jonathan Clarence Fox: 1944 – 2024
Jonathan Clarence Fox, son of John Clarence Fox of Phoenix, Missouri and Evelyn Evangeline Snyder of Helena, Montana; age 79 of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on October 10, 2024 from congestive heart failure.
Jonathan had his first CHF episode at 52, and was forced to retire after working at the Kaiser Dock, in charge of Longshoremen handling Wyoming coal to be sent overseas.
He was born November 7, 1944 in Bell, California. At 13 years old, he moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas High School. After high school he joined the Navy. He served a little over four years. His service took him to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Hawaii (where he lived for two years), and Long Beach, California. Long Beach is where he met, and married, Zacharoula “Sugar” Prineas. They were married for 51 years before she passed away.
After she passed, Jonathan moved to Gillette, Wyoming in 2021. He loved watching the antics of the antelope, rabbit, cows and other animals that wandered into the backyard. He is survived by his daughter, Angela Fox; and grandson, Nolan Fox of Gillette, Wyoming; son, John (Marcy) Fox; granddaughters, Rachel and Clara Fox, of Long Beach, California.
As per his request, no services will be held.