Gary Lee Albers: 1945 – 2024
Gary L. Albers, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.
Gary was born April 9, 1945, in Ellis, Kansas to John Albers and Mary Schoenberger. He was the eighth of ten children. He attended high school in Oakley, Kansas, where he wrestled and played football.
He was blessed with two children from his first marriage, Sterling (1965) and Traci (1967). Gary came to Gillette in 1969 when he was working for the Hot Oil Unit. He then went to work for Salt Creek Freightways and Northwest Trucking as a truck driver. He finally met his real, true babe, Kris Rehbein, and they were married on July 11, 1981. They were blessed with two more children, Randy (1983) and Tina (1985). Gary began washing UPS trucks at night, and shortly after, he was hired on as a package driver, where he worked for 30 years. He retired in July 2021 and was recognized with 51 years of Teamster membership. He made many friends along his route, visiting with all the ranchers and farmers. He enjoyed spending his time taking his children to high school rodeos all across the state of Wyoming. He not only loved watching Nascar, he even drove his own car #40 and won many trophies along the way.
Every summer, he traveled to drag racing events with Kris and his family. He and Kris also spent their summers taking horses to the mountain, riding with good friends, and making memories. Gary spent lots of time watching football and loved watching his children and grandchildren do activities and sports. He cherished the time he spent teaching the grandchildren to drive a stick shift and the bobcat. He just loved being with them any way he could. He spent time hunting and fishing, and his favorite fishing lake was Lame Deer. He loved his Coca-Cola, Fords, and going to auctions. He always said, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” He called everyone “Dad” or “Young Lady,” which led to his nicknames of “Dad” or “Daddy-O.” Gary was a “jack of all trades” and gave 110% on everything he did. He was proud of his many accomplishments in life, including the privilege to be called “dad” and “gramps.” He loved life, was loved very much, and will be greatly missed.
Gary is survived by his wife, Kris Albers; children: Sterling Albers (Thu`), Traci Larson (Ed), Randy Albers (Erin), Tina Tanz (Trew), and all of Gillette, Wyoming; grandchildren: JR Albers, Brad (Belle) Larson and Michelle Larson, Lane and Caleb Albers, Hunter and Wesley Tanz; two great-granddaughters, Cedar and Adelynn; sister, Evelyn of Oakley, Kansas; brother, Charlie (Lois) of Hays, Kansas; sisters-in-law: Kitty (Bill) Blankenship of Glendive, Montana, Karen (Tom) Carroll of Ekalaka, Montana, and Sandy Rehbein of Sidney, Montana; brothers-in-law: Kurt Rehbein of Gillette, Wyoming, Kent Rehbein of Sidney, Montana, Kevin (Shelley) Rehbein of Pinehaven, Wyoming; special friends: Lyle Austin of Gillette, Wyoming, and Larry Berkgren of Oakley, Kansas; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Albers; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fritz and Ann Rehbein. His siblings are Bernie (Beverly), Helen (Don), LeRoy (Louetta), Jim, Roberta (Phil), Bill (Yvonne), and LoRee. His brothers-in-law are Kyle and Kim.
A prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, followed by a visitation and gathering of family and friends until 8 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel.
Merna Jo Swanson: 1934 – 2024
Merna Jo Swanson, long-time Campbell County resident, passed away November 15, 2024 at her residence in Westminster, Colorado. She was 90 years old.
Merna Jo was born in Gillette, Wyoming on Feb. 6, 1934. She grew up on a small farm near Lawver, Wyoming, about 40 miles south-southeast of Gillette.
She married Leonard Swanson on June 16, 1951. They lived on the Swanson Farm five miles south of Gillette. They had five children: Gerald, Ronald, David, Robert, and Eric. Leonard died in 2012. just short of their 61st wedding anniversary. In 2015, Merna Jo moved to the Primrose Retirement Community in Gillette. She moved to Westminster, Colorado in 2024.
Merna Jo Swanson was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Swanson; her parents, Mamie Dot Kintz and Ralph Kintz; her brother, Jim Kintz; one son, David Carl Swanson; and three grandchildren: Peter Swanson, Eliza Swanson Kennison, and Amber Swanson.
She is survived by her son: Gerald Lee Swanson (Colorado), Ronald Wayne Swanson, (Washington), Robert Paul Swanson (Wyoming) and Eric Dale Swanson (Texas); as well as serval cousins, 13 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Dec. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church of Gillette.
