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:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/koritnik/joseph-albin-koritnik.

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:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/vanvalkenburg/paul-van-valkenburg.

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:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/marostica/brandon-john-marostica.