Friday, October 10, 2025

Obituary - Joseph Felix Dominiske

JOSEPH F. DOMINISKI

Funeral services for Joseph F. Dominiski, 69, were held Tuesday at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion. Rev. E. Thomas Rodda conducted the rites and burial was in Mountain View cemetery. Friends who served as pallbearers were Gus Christoff, Herman Gerras, Colin Hamilton Jr., Ferdnand Marcy, John Samuels and Harry Walkup.

Mr. Dominiski died Saturday, Jan. 31, at Sweetwater Memorial hospital. He had been in ill health for three and one half years. He was a retired coal miner and had been employed by Colony Coal company.

Joseph Felix Dominiski was born Sept. 16, 1883, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and had lived in Rock Springs for 39 years.

Survivors are his wife, Esther; two sons and a daughter, Joseph Carl and Leo Edward Dominiski, and Mrs. Milton Friel, all of Rock Springs; five grandchildren and one great-grandson; two stepdaughters, Alice Bradly of Los Angeles and Mrs. Joseph Huntley of Chillecothe, Mo., who both were in Rock Springs for the funeral services; one brother and one sister, Leo F. Dominiski of Akron, Ohio and Katherine Hendershott of Dover, N.J.

The Dominiski home is at 331 I street.

--Rock Springs Miner, Feb 8, 1953

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

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Obituary - Helen Lucile Pitchford Cross

HELEN LUCILE CROSS

PORTLAND, Ore.--A memorial service was conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 1996 in Portland Memorial Sunset Chapel for Helen Lucile Cross, who died May 29 at age 72.

Mrs. Cross was born July 18, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, Neb., and lived in Portland since 1946. She graduated in 1941 from Lincoln High School in Green River. A member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, she was a grocery clerk for Safeway. She married William in 1941. Her maiden name was Pitchford.

She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Lynda Stanley of Canby, Ore. and Janet Craig of Clackamas, Ore.; two sons, Ronald and Dennis, both of Portland; one sister, Winifred Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Darwin Pitchford. Inurnment was in Portland Memorial Mausoleum.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, Jun 15, 1996

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

Obituary - Eva Virginia Dominiske Friel

EVA FRIEL

Funeral services for Eva Friel were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1996 at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, Second and B streets, Rock Springs. The Rev. Russ Johnson officiated. Interment was in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Rock Springs.

Pallbearers were Steve Hickerson, Kevin Friel, Keith Friel, Craig Friel, Blair Friel and Brian Friel. Honorary pallbearers were Michael Mackey, Lee Harns, Paul Montgomery, Joel Hickerson, Bill Harns and Jared Harns.

Mrs. Friel, 89, of 821 Young Ave., Rock Springs, died at 6:55 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 1996 at the home of her daughter in Rock Springs. A resident of the Rock Springs area since 1916 and former resident of Colorado, Mrs. Friel had been in ill health for the past several months.

She was born on Feb. 14, 1907 in Erie, Colo., the daughter of the late Joe Felix and Margaret Anderson Dominiski. Mrs. Friel attended schools in Colorado and Rock Springs and was a graduate of Rock Springs High School with the class of 1928. She married Milton B. Friel Sr., and he preceded her in death in October of 1960. Mrs. Friel was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Milton B. and Cindy Friel Jr., of Rock Springs; one daughter, Nancy Hickerson of Rock Springs; one sister-in-law, Anna Dominiski of Rock Springs; 10 grandchildren, Steven Hickerson, Mrs. Mike (Cheryl) Mackey, Mrs. Bill (Nancy) Harns, Ruther Hickerson, Mars. Paul (Cathy) Montgomery, Kevin, Keith, Craig, Blair, Brian and Reena Friel; 26 great-grandchildren; and several nieces also survive.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, Feb 24, 1996

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

Obituary - Margaret Rebecca Anderson Dominiske

Local Woman Stricken On Bus And Dies

Mrs. Joseph F. Dominiski of 314 D street, aged 43 years, died in the Carbon County Memorial hospital at Rawlins Monday one hour after she was taken from an eastbound transportation bus. She was stricken as the bus entered Rawlins and was removed to the hospital at once.

Mrs. Dominiski left early Monday for her old home in Ohio. She had been in ill health for several months suffering from a serious heart condition. The trip to the home of her parents was planned in an effort to prolong her life.

Decedent with her family had lived in Rock Springs for the last five years. Prior to that time she lived at Reliance for ten years. She was born in England November 29, 1887 and came with her parents to America when she was three years old. The family of her father and mother settled in Ohio. Her maiden name was Rebecca Margaret Anderson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson who survive her. She was married to Joseph Dominiski at Walsenburg, Colorado in 1904.

Mrs. Dominiski is survived by her husband, two sons, J.C. Dominiski of Reliance, and Leo L. Dominiski of this city; one daughter, Mrs. Milton Friel, also of Rock Springs; one grandson and one granddaughter; a sister, Mrs. Albert Reese of Rock Springs; and four sisters and one brother who live in Ohio with her parents.

Funeral Today

Funeral services were held today at two p.m. from the home on D street and from the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion at two-thirty p.m. Rev. R. Emmet Abraham of Green River, a former rector of the church, officiated. Mrs. Dominiski was of the Episcopalian faith.

Many friends of the family from Rock Springs and Reliance were in attendance and there were many floral tributes. Pallbearers were William Reese, Galen Van Valkenburg, Henry Lance and Clyde Moss, of Rock Springs, Robert Jolly of Winton, and William Stark of Reliance. Interment in charge of the Rogan Mortuary was in Mountain View cemetery.

--Rock Springs Rocket, Oct 2, 1930

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

Obituary - Mae Cook Faddis

Mrs. William Faddis Services Conducted

Funeral services for Mrs. William (Mae) Faddis, 57, of Kemmerer, formerly of Rock Springs, were conducted Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the LDS Church in Kemmerer. Burial was in the Kemmerer Cemetery.

Mrs. Faddis, the former Mae Cook, was born in Rock Springs April 5, 1915 and had attended schools here. She married William Faddis in Salt Lake City. He preceded her in death Dec. 16, 1969. She had been a resident of Kemmerer more than 20 years. She died Saturday at her home in Kemmerer after a sudden illness.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Rudy (Janice) Koci of Kemmerer; her mother-in-law, Mrs. Nellie Faddis of Kemmerer; two sisters, Mrs. Florence Firmage and Mrs. Ethel “Dolly” Brown, both of Rock Springs; three brothers, Arthur Cook of Rock Springs, Harold Cook of San Diego, Calif., and Tom Cook of Ogden, Utah; and several nieces and nephews.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket Miner, Dec 23, 1972

Learn more about Mae on the Firmage Family History website:

Obituary - Leo Edward Dominiske

LEO E. DOMINISKE

Funeral services for Leo Edward Dominiske, 64, of 4004 Springs Drive, Rock Springs, were conducted Friday at 10 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, the Rev. George Mackey officiating. Burial was in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were James Buston Jr., Milton Friel, Hugh Friel, Ben Hautala Jr., Robert Hautala and Larry Hickerson.

Mr. Dominiske died Tuesday, April 3, at his home. He had been in ill health for the last two years.

Mr. Dominiske was born March 7, 1909 at Erie, Colo., the son of the late Joseph F. and Margaret Anderson Dominiske. He married Ann H. Buston July 13, 1929 at Rock Springs. He came to Rock Springs in 1915 and had resided here since then. Mr. Dominiske had been employed as a coal miner until 1957. He was later employed by Sweetwater County from 1959 until May 1972 when he retired due to his health. He attended schools in Rock Springs and was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, Rock Springs Gem and Mineral Club, United Mine Workers of America, Young-at-Heart Senior Citizens Center and American Association of Retired Persons. He had been active in the county Democratic Party organization and at the time of his death was serving as a precinct committeeman, a position he had held for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Ann of Rock Springs; one daughter, Mrs. Harold L. (Lois) Williams of Rock Springs; one brother, Joseph of Rock Springs; one sister, Mrs. Milton (Eva) Friel of Rock Springs; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, Apr 7, 1973

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

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Obituary - Richard Joseph Hickerson

RICHARD J. HICKERSON

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at the Rock Springs LDS Church for Richard Joseph Hickerson, 57, of 332 P St., Rock Springs. Bishop Larry O. West officiated. Interment was in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Mr. Hickerson died Sunday at 8:45 a.m. at Sweetwater County Memorial Hospital, where he had been a patient one day.

A lifetime resident of Rock Springs, he was born Dec. 21, 1910, in Rock Springs. Mr. Hickerson, a retired carpenter, was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Rock Springs Art Guild.

Surviving are his wife, Ansta, Rock Springs; one daughter, Mrs. James (Marilynn) Noble, Rock Springs; one son, Larry, Rock Springs; one brother, Sam, Cheyenne; two sisters, Mrs. William (Lillian) Welsh, and Mrs. Harry (Ruth) Fitchett, both of Rock Springs; six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were James Daniel, Robert and Ted Welsh, Charles Phillips, Harry Fitchett Jr. and John F. Kemp.

Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, Jun 8, 1968.

Learn more about Richard on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:
https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/hickerson/richard-joseph-hickerson.

Obituary - Richard Larry Hickerson

R. LARRY HICKERSON

Services for R. Larry Hickerson, 45, of 1317 McKinley St., Rock Springs were conducted Monday, Dec. 20 at the Our Lad of Sorrows Catholic Church. The Rev. Eugene Sullivan officiated.

Burial was in the Paul J. Wataha Memorial Park.

Mr. Hickerson died Thursday, Dec. 16 at his home following a six-month illness. He was born in Rock Springs on Feb. 12, 1937, the son of Richard Joseph and Ansta Phillips Hickerson. He attended schools in Rock Springs and was a graduate of the Rock Springs High School with the class of 1955. Mr. Hickerson graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1964 with an engineering degree.

He married the former Nancy Lee Friel in Rock Springs on Sept. 6, 1958. Mr. Hickerson was employed as an engineer for the FMC Company for the past 17 years. He was a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; his mother, Ansta Hickerson; one son, Steven Larry Hickerson; four daughters, Mrs. Michael (Cheryl Lee) Mackey, Mrs. Neil (Nancy Lenee) West, Ruth Lynn Hickerson and Cathy Laine Hickerson all of Rock Springs; one sister, Mrs. James (Marilynn) Noble of Rock Springs; four grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Hickerson was preceded in death by his father.

Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, Dec 25, 1982.

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

Obituary - Alice Mae Gates Van Valkenburg

Alice Van Valkenburg

Visitation: Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Sunday, September 11, 1:00-2:00 PM.

Service: Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Sunday, September 11, 2:00 PM.

Passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 7, 2011. Age 88. Loving wife of Albert for 68 years. Caring mother of Richard (Susan). Grandma of 2. Great-grandma of 1. Also survived by a sister, other devoted relatives and friends. Preceded in death by many other loved relatives and friends. Gathering at the Funeral Home, Sunday, September 11 from 1:00 PM–2:00 PM. Memorial Service at 2:00 PM. Private committal at Highland Memorial Park, New Berlin. Memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society or your local animal shelter.

“You were a friend to many and dearly missed.”

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

Monday, October 6, 2025

Obituary - Nancy Lee Friel Hickerson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Nancy Lee Friel Hickerson, 89, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, on September 20, 2025, in Casper, Wyoming. She was a resident of Casper for the past seven years and a former resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Nancy Lee was born on July 29, 1936, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the daughter of Milton Blair Friel and Eva Virginia Dominiski Friel. She attended Rock Springs High School and graduated in 1954. After being awarded a scholarship to Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing, Nancy briefly moved to Salt Lake City, UT where she earned her nursing degree. Always a trailblazer, Nancy also helped lead her nursing school basketball team to championship titles in 1955 and 1956.

Upon graduation, Nancy returned to Rock Springs, where she reconnected with her former classmate, Larry Hickerson, at a dance. They wed on September 6, 1958, and continued to enjoy music and dance throughout their marriage – often in the middle of the kitchen floor.

Nancy also began working at Memorial Hospital Sweetwater County, where she stayed for many years. She held several positions including Bedside Nurse, Surgical and Medical Nurse, Nurse House Supervisor, Director of Miners Clinic, Director of Employee Health and Infection Control, and a front-line educator for nurses and nurses’ aides in training. As a proud coal miner’s daughter, The Miners Clinic, which she helped start, was especially dear to her heart.

Nancy also worked as a nurse for long-time Rock Springs physician, Dr. Ludwig Prych. Many Rock Springs residents have reported to Nancy’s children that if they had to get a shot, they hoped it would be from Nurse Nancy.

Community and service were close to Nancy’s heart. She was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrow’s Church, where she was one of the first women to be named a Eucharistic Minister. Additionally, Nancy was an engaged member Saint Christopher’s Circle and the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) – a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women’s educational aspirations. She also volunteered for the Meals in Wheels program, Memorial Hospital, and the Senior Citizen’s Center.

In her free time, Nancy was known to enjoy lively games of bridge and cherished the many friendships she cultivated in various bridge clubs. She found joy in outdoor activities, reading, music, travelling, and was an avid attendee of theater, arts, and sporting events. Above all, Nancy loved spending time with her family, whom she adored – especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include one son, Steven Hickerson and his wife Sandy of Rock Springs, Wyoming; four daughters, Cheryl Mackey and her husband Mike of Casper, Wyoming; Nancy Harns and her husband Bill of Casper; Ruth Hickerson of Denver, Colorado; and Cathy Montgomery and her husband Paul of Lansing, Kansas; twelve grandchildren: Joel, Lenee, Larry, Eva, Ryan, Lauren, Jered, Lee, Kimberly, Chris, Colten and Demarin; 25 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Larry Hickerson, her parents Milton and Eva Dominiski Friel, and two brothers, Hugh Friel and Milton Friel.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Nursing Program at Western Wyoming Community College. These can be sent in memory of Nancy L Hickerson to the Community Relations Department, Western Wyoming Community College, 2500 College Drive, Rock Springs WY 82901.

A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 116 Broadway, Rock Springs, Wyoming. A Rosary will be recited at 4:00 PM Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Vase Funeral Chapels. Graveside Services and Interment will be at the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

Nancy’s warm spirit touched the lives of many and her legacy of love and service lives on and her family and community. Friends and family are invited to leave condolences at www.vasefuneralhomes.com.

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

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Obituary - Joseph Albin Koritnik

Joseph Koritnik
February 26, 1936 — July 21, 2025
Cheyenne, WY

Joseph Albin Koritnik, 89, passed July 21, 2025, at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne.

He was born February 26, 1936, to Louis and Josephine Koritnik (Tomich). He grew up roaming the hills around Blairtown, south of Rock Springs. Joe enjoyed riding broncs, driving stock cars and working on the family ranch in Eden Valley Wyoming. Joe came from a family of three boys and was the middle child. After his father passed and his mother remarried he was blessed with two sisters and another brother.

He joined the Army and became a paratrooper. He spent his enlistment stationed in Germany. After Germany he returned to Rock Springs and married the love of his life, Mary Rebecca VanValkenburg on September 25, 1959. They had three daughters. Joe and Mary moved to Cheyenne and he began working with his brothers under Koritnik Construction.

Joe and Mary enjoyed taking their family and a neighborhood kid or two camping or boating almost every weekend during the summer. When grandkids came along they started taking them. Joe enjoyed swimming (he was a lifeguard and was on a diver rescue team in his earlier years), kids, dogs, hunting, fishing and family gatherings. Never was there a kid or dog who didn’t instantly take to Joe. No one could ask for a more caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather or great-great grandfather, uncle or friend. He was always ready to take his grandkids and great grandkids camping, fishing, or hunting and was willing to help anyone in need. He loved his family and had given nick names to many of them. People seldom knew is grandkids’ and great grandkids’ real names. He even gave names to his nieces and nephews.

Joe is survived by his three daughters, Kim Wilkins (Keith) of Cheyenne, Ricki Rekow (Keith) of Gillette, and Ronda Wilson (Tom) of Cheyenne. Grandchildren, Steven Wilkins (Rebecca), Christopher Epler (Desirae), Kevin Wilkins (Andrea), Michelle Wilson (Mac), Amy Frink (JJ), Crystal Wilson, Joseph Wilson (Kelsey), Thomas Wilson (Hannah), Antonio Padilla (Amanda) and Teresa Padilla. Great grandchildren, Austin Epler, Chase Wilson, McKenzie Wilson, Kenzie Jo Epler, Austin Burgman, Oliver Burgman, Shea Frink, Paige Frink, Brogen Frink, Samuel Wilkins, Hanna Wilkins, Charlie Tafoya, Addie Tafoya, Tristan (Moose) Tafoya, Catherine Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Liam Wilson, Eli Wilson, and Joshua Wilson. Great-Great grandsons Brantley Peters and Clayne Wilson. Sisters Mary Jo (Jim), Judy Abram (David) and Brother Eddie Westbrook (Lenora) along with many special nieces and nephews. Joe was greatly loved by his family and those who considered him their grandpa.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, adventure and memories to his family and to anyone who knew him. He has gone to be with his beloved wife, and is just out of sight until we are together again. Love you so much!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Cheyenne Animal Shelter or St. Jude’s.

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

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Obituary - Paul Van Valkenburg

Paul (Pablo) Van Valkenburg, 77, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025 at his home in Green River. He was born on July 6, 1947 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the son of Galen and Winniefred Van Valkenburg.

Pablo was preceded in death by his wife Darlene. He is survived by his son Corey Van Valkenburg and wife Lynn of Green River.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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

Friday, February 28, 2025

Obituary - Brandon John Marostica

Brandon John Marostica, age 44, of Orem, Utah, passed away on February 20, 2025. He was born on August 18, 1980, in Provo, Utah, to Martin John and RaeLynn Marostica. Brandon was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Brandon’s life began with a remarkable story of perseverance. As a young child, he fought a courageous battle against liver cancer, emerging as a survivor and showing incredible strength from the very beginning of his life. He spent much of his childhood in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where he attended school and developed lifelong passions that would shape his adult life.

After graduating from Lewisburg Area High School, Brandon followed his deep faith and sense of service by serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the California Arcadia Spanish-speaking mission. His mission helped to shape him into the kind and loving individual he became.

Brandon later pursued a degree in Political Science at Utah Valley University. His studies laid the foundation for his career, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to greater success. He became the owner and founder of Imagine Real Peace, a business born from his love of collecting memorabilia. Brandon’s passion for music, especially jam bands like Phish, Grateful Dead, Van Morrison, Neil Young and the Beatles, inspired the business and the people around him. His deep love for records and the stories they told were matched by his devotion to those he loved.

Brandon had a love for Baseball and found his calling as a pitcher and lead his team to the Pennsylvania little league state championship. Which helped grow his passion for baseball. One of Brandon’s greatest joys in life was golf. He was known for his low handicap and his exceptional hand-eye coordination. He was always eager to find time to play, no matter where he was. Brandon’s appreciation for the outdoors extended to his love for the mountains, where he spent countless hours exploring the vast wilderness that surrounded him.

Brandon had a deep love for his family. He was especially fond of his nieces and nephews and was proud to be known as the “favorite” and “fun” uncle. His sense of humor and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten. He is survived by parents Martin and RaeLynn and siblings Justin (Ashley) Marostica, Ashlee (Paul) McCoy, and Tyson (Jayne) Marostica, and his 11 nieces and nephews: Zach, Kate, Ryan, Preston, Lexi, Porter, Mason, Colby, Crew, Rory, and Holland. Brandon is also survived by his Grandmother Joye Marostica, Grandfather Howard Van Valkenburg and friends who loved him dearly.

Throughout his life, Brandon battled health complications related to his childhood cancer treatments. Despite these challenges, he faced each difficulty with courage and rarely complained about the pain he endured. His strength and resilience were a testament to his character.

Brandon’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and he will always be remembered for his love, kindness, and sense of humor. As a way to honor Brandon’s memory, the family invites you to share your memories and stories by posting on his Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Brandon’s memory to the oncology department at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a place that supported him during his battle with cancer.

Brandon’s life was one of service, love, and strength. May we all carry forward the lessons he taught us through his actions and his love for those he held dear. Funeral services and a celebration of Brandon’s life will be held on March 4, 2025 at 2150 North Pointe Meadow Drive Lehi, Utah 84043 Viewing at 9 am, Services to follow at 10 am.

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