Obituary - August Elmer Bakka

August Bakka Obituary

Funeral services for August "Gus" E. Bakka, 96, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 430 Elizabeth Drive. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Military graveside honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Mr. Bakka passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at SageWest Hospital in Riverton, Wyoming. Gus was born in Kemmerer, Wyoming on April 11, 1929 to August Alexander Bakka and Mary Samantha (Madson) Bakka. The family relocated to Rock Springs, Wyoming where Gus attended school and graduated with the Rock Springs High School class of 1947. He married Ethel Mae Firmage, the love of his life, on January 4, 1948 and together they had four daughters, Sandra Kay Appelhans, Cindy Lou Frady, Sherri Lynn Vogele, and Kathy Sue Pease. Their marriage was solemnized on September 29, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Gus and Ethel Mae began their life together in Colorado Springs, Colorado where Gus served as a paratrooper in the United States Army. When World War II was over, they returned to Rock Springs, Wyoming where Gus worked for FMC Corporation and at the same time drove a bus to the FMC plant for Zanetti Bus Lines.

In the Spring of 1958, the family moved to Riverton, Wyoming where Gus drove a bus to the Gas Hills mines. In 1964, Gus and Ethel Mae, bought their floor-covering business, where Ethel Mae ran the business and Gus did the work. They continued to raise their family and spent the rest of their lives in Riverton. They had a deep love for the people of Riverton, including many longtime neighbors and friends. Gus served on the Riverton City Council for a number of years. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Riverton Senior center. Later Gus worked for Bailey Tire and Auto Service until he was over 80 years old.

Gus and Ethel Mae were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gus held numerous church callings, including serving in bishoprics and on the Stake High Council. In later years, Gus served at the Wyoming Honor Farm, a calling he dearly loved.

Gus enjoyed spending time in the outdoors. He and Ethel Mae could be found riding motorcycles, fishing from their boat, snowmobiling, and riding 4-wheelers. He especially loved backpacking in the Wind River Mountains, although there may be some questions regarding his stories of the size of the fish he caught.

Gus is survived by his daughter, Kathy Pease of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Wade Appelhans, Joe Appelhans, Norman Frady, Denny Frady, Melissa Frady, Wayne Vogele, and Shannon Rae Hughes-Dunkeson; numerous great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Howard Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs, and several nieces.

Gus is proceeded in death by his wife, Ethel Mae Bakka; father August Alexander Bakka; mother, Mary Madson Bakka; brother, Walter Elias Bakka; daughters, Sandra Kay Appelhans, Cindy Lou Frady, Sherri Lynn Vogele; grandson, Dale Vogele.

On-line condolences for Gus' family may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com. Services under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments of Riverton, Wyoming.

--Published by Legacy on Jan. 20, 2026

Learn more about August on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/bakka/august-elmer-bakka.

Obituary - Albert Rees

22 August 1943 - Albert Rees

Albert Rees died due to a mine accident at Lion Coal Company. He was crushed between the mine wall and a coal car. Death record states: Dislocated right knee. Bruised left leg. Compression of chest and abdomen due to edema of lungs. Place of death: County of Sweetwater, City of Rock Springs; Wyoming General Hospital. Age: 65 years, 2 months, 2 days.

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Albert Rees, 65, of 1104 Elk Street, died at 10:45 o'clock Sunday evening at Wyoming General Hospital from injuries when he was struck by a loaded trip at Lion Coal Company's Star No. 1 mine at Blairtown. The accident, which resulted in the death of Mr. Rees occurred about 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon and he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

Rees had been a resident of this community for about 32 years and had worked for many years for the Lion Coal corporation. He had been ill for several years and had returned to work a little over a year ago. A native of England, Rees was born at Staffordshire, June 20, 1878. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Rees, two daughters, Mrs. Florence Van Valkenburg and Mrs. Agnes Burdess of Rock Springs; a son J. W. Rees, who preceded him in death on Nov. 25, 1942; three sisters, Mrs. D. M. Ault of Roswell, N. M., Mrs. Agnes Brown of Salt Lake City, and Mrs. Ada Abernathy of Lafayette, Colo.; 14 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements in charge of Rogan mortuary will be announced later.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket, August 24, 1943

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Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. today at the Episcopal church, for Albert Rees, 65, who died at 10:45 o'clock Sunday evening after he had received injuries in a mine accident. He was struck by a loaded trip at Lion Coal Company's Star No. 1 mine at Blairtown about 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon.

Rites will be conducted by the Rev. H. A. Link, and burial will be at Mountain View cemetery.

He had been employed by the Lion Coal company for a number of years and had lived in this community for 32 years.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket, August 25, 1943

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A coroner's jury which investigated the death of Albert Rees, who was fatally injured Sunday when he was struck by a loaded trip at the Lion Coal company's Star No. 1 mine at Blairtown, returned the following verdict last night: "We find that Albert Rees came to an accidental death, but we do find that the company failed to give the required clearance between the cars and dropping drums as required by law."

The inquest was conducted by J. Warden Opie, county coroner. Members of the jury were Huston Martin, John Bynon and George Rogers.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket, August 25, 1943

Learn more about Albert on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:
https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/rees/albert-rees.

Obituary - Jeannette Williams Simkin

Jeannette Simkin

Memorial services for Rock Springs resident Jeannette Simkin, 92, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, April 21, in Vase Funeral Chapel in Rock Springs. Cremation will have taken place. Graveside services will be in the Mountain View Section of Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the home of her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Bernie and Matt Keslar, 1329 Yalecrest Drive, Rock Springs.

She died April 16, 2003, at Sage View Care Center in Rock Springs, where she had resided for the last three years.

Born Feb. 18, 1911, in Big Sandy, she was the daughter of Henry W. and Maude C. (Huff) Williams; and attended schools in Big Sandy and Rock Springs.

On Oct. 6, 1928, she married William Edmond Simkin in Rock Springs. He preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 1977, after 49 years of marriage.

She had lived with the Keslars from 1996 until moving to Sage View.

Her interests included hunting, fishing, being outdoors with her grandchildren, tatting and embroidering.

Survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Enid J. Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs and Marilyn Juhl of Denver; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, William Clyde Simkin; four sisters, Dorothy Thompson, Ellen Richie, Mabel Philbrick and Alma Golliher; and four brothers, Henry Williams, Jared Williams, Bill Williams and Paul Williams.

The family would appreciate memorials to a charity of the donor's choice.

--Casper Star Tribune, April 19, 2003

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

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/williams/jeannette-williams.

Obituary - James William Burdess

James William Burdess

Feb 17, 1933 – Nov 2, 2014

"Together Again"

James William Burdess, “Bill,” has passed away at the age of 81 after a full and happy life. He was surrounded by beloved family and dear friends when he left this life to join his late wife on their next journey together.

Born Feb. 17, 1933, in Rock Springs, WY, to Agnes and William Burdess, Bill began life surrounded by cousins, friends, and strong family ties. At the age of twelve, Bill’s family moved to Ogden where they soon put down roots building a solid foundation for generations to come.

He attended Ogden schools where he met the love of his life, Hazel Marie Davis. They married in 1951 and had six children, Jaylene (Steve), Abbie, Eber (Raelene), Noey, Will, and Darrin, along with 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren with one more on the way and who knows how many more.

He was a strong and industrious man providing for his family as a machinist and tool maker for Hill Field, Marquardt, and Flame Co, retiring from Western Zirconium in 1998.

With an incredible love for family, he remained close to his siblings and their children, along with extended family, throughout his life. Many vacations took Bill and Hazel across the western United States to visit family and friends. Some of their greatest adventures were in the wilderness areas of Utah and Wyoming enjoying family-reunion style camping trips.

Bill was an accomplished baseball player in his youth, and as an adult his pastimes included golfing at the White Barn, bowling with Hazel on leagues at Rainbow Lanes, and dancing with Hazel and their friends at the Hermitage and then later at the Oaks and the Eagles. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and took pride in teaching his children and grandchildren the sports. With an inventive spirit, he tinkered in the yard and the garage. He built homemade kites for his grandchildren to fly, cut ATV tracks on his land so the kids could ride, converted a bicycle into a snow sled just for the fun of it, and hosted bonfire parties where the kids and grownups sang and played music together. What he had, he shared, with those he loved.

Bill missed Hazel greatly after her death earlier this year. In their 62 years of marriage, they had never missed an anniversary together. Their 63rd wedding anniversary is later this month, and now that they are reunited again their tradition of never missing an anniversary together still stands.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, La Donna (Joe Ophiekens), as well as a son-in-law, Henry Endow and a great granddaughter, Tylee. He is survived by two brothers, Blair (Colleen) and Wayne. Bill is loved and will be missed by many.

Family and friends are encouraged to attend a viewing Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 11 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

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

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

Obituary - Robina Golden Cooper Snyder

ROBINA SNYDER

Funeral services for Robina Golden Snyder, 93, of 40 Blair Ave., Rock Springs, were held Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the First Congregational Church with Peter St. Martin officiating.

Pallbearers were Harry Angelovic, Albert Angelovic, Nels Carlson, Carl Hafner, Gerald Gras and William R. Dickson.

Interment was in the Mountain View Section of Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery.

Mrs. Snyder died Monday, Nov. 27, at the Kimberly Manor Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.

She was born on June 18, 1885 in Rock Springs the daughter of the late Adam and Christena Barrowman Cooper. She married Walter Snyder who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Snyder was a member of the First Congregational Church and the Order of the Eastern Star at Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews, including Mrs. John B. (Mary) Dickson and Ida Kappes, both of Rock Springs; Mrs. William (Margaret) Gnemi of Jerome, Idaho; Josephine Binnig of Pinedale; Isaac Brooks and Mrs. Albert (Katherine) Angelovic, both of Rock Springs; Mrs. George J. (Velma) Jones of Salt Lake City, Utah and Mrs. Norman Darrel Mork of Sonoma, Calif. Several great-nieces and nephews and several great-great-nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, December 2, 1978

Learn more about Robina on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/cooper/robina-golden-cooper.

Obituary - David Patterson Firmage

Spanish Fork Business, Church Leader, 78, Dies

SPANISH FORK-David P. Firmage, 78, of Spanish Fork, well known Utah department store operator, died Tuesday morning in a Spanish Fork hospital after a brief illness.

Mr. Firmage, with his brothers, was a partner with J.C. Penney in the establishment of the first J. C. Penney stores in Utah, managing Penney stores in Nephi and in Spanish Fork.

Mr. Firmage was born April 21, 1883, in American Fork, a son of William and Catherine Adamson Firmage. He married Florence Jones, Nov. 10, 1909, in the Salt Lake Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1915 he moved to Heber where he was assistant manager of the first J. C. Penney store there, and in 1917 he opened the first Penney store in Nephi, where he was manager.

From 1927 to 1939 he was manager of the Penney store in Spanish Fork. He was a director of the Bank of Spanish Fork for 26 years.

Active in civic work, he served 13 years on the Spanish Fork Board of Adjustments, 11 years as chairman, and served on the city Zoning and Planning Board as president and chairman.

Mr. Firmage was an active member of the LDS Church, serving as budget chairman of the Spanish Fork Second LDS Ward and as finance chairman for the new Spanish Fork LDS Stake House.

He was a charter member of Spanish Fork Rotary and was a member of the city's Kiwanis Club.

Mr. Firmage is survived by his widow; two sons and three daughters, Kenneth, Chatham, N.J.; Allen, Provo; Mrs. Lee (Doris) Chambers, San Carlos, Calif.; Mrs. W. R. (Florence) Liechty, Logan; Mrs. Paul (Barbara) Stewart, Downey, Calif.; 18 grandchildren; two brothers and a sister, Edwin, Provo; Andrew, Salt Lake City, and Mrs. Mack (Agnes) McIntyre, Sacramento, Calif.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 1 p.m. in the Spanish Fork LDS Stake House. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday prior to services. Burial will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

Learn more about David on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/david-patterson-firmage.

Obituary - William Kenneth Firmage

William Kenneth Firmage, age 91, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2002 in Sun City, Florida.

Kenneth was born October 17, 1910 in American Fork, Utah to David P. Firmage and Florence Jones Firmage. He grew up in Nephi and Spanish Fork, Utah. He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1928. After a year at the University of Utah he served a 30-month mission for the LDS Church in Germany. After returning home he attended Brigham Young University and received a B.S. degree in business in 1935. He then enrolled in the MBA program at Harvard University. He received a MBA (MS) degree in 1937. He was employed in the eastern states with several firms.

He married Phyllis Fletcher in the Salt Lake Temple in 1936. They first made their home in New York City. During World War II he was employed in Washington D.C. as a coordinator of petroleum shipments to the Allied Forces in Europe. At the end of World War II he served three months in Germany as a member of the Strategic Bombing Survey. In this capacity he used his ability in the German Language. He then started an insurance agency in Chatham, NJ and remained there until retirement. While in Chatham he and Phyllis had two sons and one daughter. Phyllis died of a heart attack in 1966.

In 1968 Kenneth married SuZann Swain. They then made their home in Alford, Mass., in the summer and Sun City, Florida in the winter. Kenneth was active in the LDS Church serving in several callings including High Counselor in the New Jersey Stake. Kenneth and wives, Phyllis and SuZann traveled extensively in Europe and Asia.

He is survived by his wife SuZann; daughter Karen Skousen (Loran) of Arlington, Texas; son David (Zan) of Fairfield, Maine; son Charles (Mavis) of Boise, Idaho; one brother Allan (Provo) and sisters Doris Chambers and Barbara Stewart of Modesto, CA; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister Florence Liechty.

A brief service for family and friends will be held in the chapel of Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2002. Burial will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

--Deseret News, February 28, 2002

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FIRMAGE, William Kenneth, 91 of Sun City Center, passed away Feb. 16, 2002.

A native of American Fork, Utah, Mr. Firmage moved to the area from Chatham, N.J.

He was a retired life insurance agent and Realtor. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and had served as a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserve during World War II. He was the author of several books, including "Season of Fire, Season of Faith" and "Flight From Destiny".

He is survived by his wife, SuZan of Sun City Center; two sons, David of Fairfield, Maine, and Charles of Boise, Idaho; two stepsons, Tom Swain of Venezuela and Ralph Swain of Virginia; a daughter, Karen Firmage Skousen of Arlington, Texas; a brother, Allan of Provo, Utah; two sisters, Doris Chambers and Barbara Stewart, both of Modesto, Calif.; 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5207 12th St. NE, Apollo Beach. Burial will be in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Learn more about William on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/william-kenneth-firmage.

Obituary - John Main McBride

Former Resident Dies

John McBride, formerly a resident of this city, died in Salt Lake on Tuesday, and the funeral services were conducted Thursday.

Deceased was one of the pioneers of Rock Springs, he having come in an ox team across the plains before the Union Pacific Railroad was built. He left about eleven years ago to make his home in Salt Lake. His many friends regret to learn of his demise. Mrs. Pat Mahon of Superior, Mr. and Mrs. John Firmage and Mrs. John White went to Salt Lake to attend the funeral.

--Rock Springs Rocket no. 12, February 05, 1915

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DEATH OF A FORMER WELL KNOWN RESIDENT

The death of John M. McBride, a former well known and highly respected citizen of Rock Springs, occurred on Tuesday in a Salt Lake hospital, following an operation for intestinal trouble. He was taken to the hospital last Saturday, the operation was performed on Sunday and he passed away on Tuesday, at 3 a.m.

The deceased was born in Scotland, June 5th, 1846, and came to America when a young man. He was one of the pioneer settlers of this section, making the trip west with an ox team before the building of the railroad. Later he was employed on the construction work of the Union Pacific road. After its completion, he was foreman of old No. 2 mine, now known as the Park Coal Co. mine.

He left here about eleven years ago and has since made his home in Salt Lake City. He leaves a widow and two children, Mrs. Pat Mahon and John McBride, beside an immense circle of friends to mourn his death. The funeral was held in Salt Lake City on Friday afternoon.

--Rock Springs Miner no. 6, February 06, 1915

Learn more about John on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/mcbride/john-main-mcbride.

Obituary - Elizabeth Firmage McBride

Mrs. Elizabeth MacBride, 79, 160 North Ninth West street, died Sunday evening at a local hospital from infirmities incident to her age.

She was born August 30, 1852, in Fifeshire, Scotland, and had been a resident of Salt Lake for 30 years.

She was a widow of John MacBride, who died in 1915.

With her at the time of death was her niece, Mrs. R.C. Barrass, who had cared for her during the past seven years.

Mrs. MacBride is survived by three brothers, William Firmage of American Fork, John Firmage of Salt Lake and James Firmage of Minnesota.

--Salt Lake Tribune, May 2, 1932

Learn more about Elizabeth on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/elizabeth-firmage-1852.

Obituary - Helen Margaret Firmage

DEATH OF LITTLE HELEN MARGARET FIRMAGE

The death of Helen Margaret, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Firmage, occurred last Saturday afternoon, after a brave fight against a complication of diseases.

Little Helen Margaret was born on April 22nd, and had been an unusually healthy, happy baby, the joy and pride of the household. About two weeks ago she was taken ill and in spite of all that could be done to relieve her, passed away last Saturday.

The funeral services were held at the home on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, conducted by Rev. S. A. Webber. Interment was made in Mountain View cemetery, many beautiful flowers covering her last resting place. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the community in their sorrow.

--Rock Springs Miner; December 23, 1916

Learn more about Helen on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/helen-margaret-firmage.