Obituary - Rachel Etta Gardner Longerbone

"Mrs. Una Longerbone died Tues. morning at or near Packwood of small pox. Leaves husband and three children. . . . ."

Jefferson County Republican

May 17, 1901, 1-4.

Learn more about Rachel on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/gardner/william-gardner.

Obituary - Mary Van Valkenburg Koritnik

Mary Koritnik

October 23, 1939 — April 2, 2024

Cheyenne

Mary "Snooks" Koritnik, born Mary Van Valkenburg on October 23, 1939, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, passed away on April 2, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming surrounded by her loving family. She married Joe Koritnik on September 25, 1959 and he lovingly nicknamed her Snooks.

She was a dedicated revenue agent in the bankruptcy department of the IRS for over 30 years before retiring. Mary was known for her exceptional kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for her family.

In her earlier years, Mary took a bookkeeping class as a housewife and astounded everyone by achieving the highest score amongst a group of accountants. This achievement was just one testament to her intelligence and diligence. Despite her petite frame, Mary was a force to be reckoned with.

Mary's proudest accomplishment always remained the same - raising her three daughters. She was truly the heart of her family, always there to offer guidance and support whenever needed. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched.

Mary found joy in simple pleasures like daisies and sunflowers, writing poetry, reading books, and listening to country music; she would often be found dancing around the house. She cherished moments spent camping with her daughters and grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter.

Mary is reunited in peace with her parents Galen and Florence Van Valkenburg; sisters Eva Tolar and Jane Van Valkenburg; and brothers Albert, Galen, and Robert Van Valkenburg; along with many other loved ones.

She leaves behind her beloved husband Joseph Koritnik; brother Howard Van Valkenburg; daughters Kim (Keith) Wilkins, Ricki (Keith) Rekow, Ronda (Tom) Wilson; grandchildren Steven (Rebecca), Christopher (Desirae), Kevin (Andrea), Michelle (Mac), Amy (JJ), Antonio (Amanda), Teresa (Andy), Crystal, Joseph (Kelsey), Thomas (Hannah); great-grandchildren Austin, Kenzie Jo, McKenzie, Chase, Shea, Paige, Brogen, Samuel, Hannah, Austin B, Oliver, Charlie, Addie, Tristan, Catherine, Rachel, Liam and Eli. Great-Great Grandchild-Clayne.

Mary's legacy of love and strength will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her absence will be deeply felt but her spirit will continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace knowing she was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed.

Learn more about Mary on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/vanvalkenburg/mary-rebecca-vanvalkenburg

Firmage Family History Website Log In

The Firmage Family History website has been updated and now requires a log in. Please log in to the site here: Firmage Family History

Van Valkenburg Family History Website Log In

The Van Valkenburg Family History website has been updated and now requires a log in. Please log in to the site here: Van Valkenburg Family History

Obituary - Barbara M. Appelhans

Barbara M. Appelhans

Jun 4, 1925 - Jul 9, 2011

Funeral services for Barbara M. Appelhans, 86, will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2011 at St. Margaret's Catholic Church with Father Andrew Duncan officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. A rosary for Barbara will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 14th at Davis Funeral Home with a visitation preceding the rosary at 6:30 p.m.

Barbara died July 9, 2011 at Help for Health Hospice Home in Riverton, Wyoming.

She was born June 4, 1925, in Casper, Wyoming to Samuel F. and Helen (Collver) Burtch. Barbara grew up on a ranch near Alcova, Wyoming before moving to Casper to attend schools. She graduated from Natrona HS in 1942. She then moved to Riverton and worked for J.C. Penneys.

On November 27, 1944, Barbara married Frank Appelhans. She and her husband farmed in the Riverton valley until 1978 when they retired. The couple then built a house and moved to Riverton. During their retirement they enjoyed traveling throughout most of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

She was a member of the Riverton Council of Catholic Women.

Mrs. Appelhans enjoyed spending time with her family, fishing, rock hunting, gardening, and traveling. She also enjoyed photography, and embroidery, and logged thousands of miles walking with her friend, Betty.

Survivors include her sons, Dennis and his wife, Minnie of Riverton, Brian and his wife, Ida of Denver, daughter-in-law, Sandra Appelhans of Lander; grandchildren, Lisa Appelhans, Annj'e Esvelt and her husband, Ryan, Warren Appelhans and his wife, Jamie, Heather Kuzara and her husband, Mike, Dustee Martinet and her husband, Frank, Joe Appelhans and his wife Karla, Wade Appelhans and his wife Michelle, Aaron Appelhans and his wife Aimee and Barry Appelhans; great grandchildren, Cody and Audrey Esvelt, Gracie and Taryn Appelhans, Sophia and Clara Kuzara, Ethan Martinet, Cade, Evan and Jace Appelhans, Riley and Kolter Appelhans, Madelynn, Donovan, and Aubreigh Appelhans; sister, Joan White of Rock Springs, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mrs. Appelhans was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, son, Gerald, great granddaughter, Hailey Esvelt, sister, Donna Evans, and her parents, Samuel Burtch and Helen Dougherty.

Learn more about Barbara on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/home

Photograph - William Gardner with Daughters, Phoebe and Maude

A photograph of William Gardner with his daughters Phoebe and Maude.

Photograph is available on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:
https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/gardner/phoebe-gardner-vanvalkenburg.

Phoebe Gardner Van Valkenburg

The Phoebe Gardner Van Valkenburg page on the Van Valkenburg Family History site has been updated with new photos.

Mary Rebecca Crouch Van Valkenburg - Family Bible

Mattie J. and Robert J. Stretz Headstone

Martha Jane Van Valkenburg Stretz