Thursday, April 18, 2024

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:

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

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:

Friday, September 29, 2023

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

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

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:

Sunday, November 16, 2014

James William Burdess Obituary


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 Rocksprings, 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.