Monday, November 11, 2024

Obituary - Sidney Loyal Kendall

Sidney Loyal Kendall

November 20, 1947 — November 8, 2024

Rock Springs

Sidney Loyal Kendall was born on November 20, 1947 in Preston Idaho and was the first child of Loyal and LaRue Kendall. He left his life on earth on November 8, 2024 at home after a short illness.

Sid grew up in Rock Springs Wyoming along his five younger brothers. Atter graduating from Western Wyoming Community College in Reliance, he transferred to the University of Wyoming. He was drafted into the Army during the Viet Nam War and achieved the rank of E4 specialist before being discharged. After returning home, he worked for FMC as a Surface Operator and Mechanic until his retirement in 2009.

Family was always the center of Sid's world. His best times and adventures were with his brothers and parents. He was loved as the Favorite Uncle by two generations of kids in the Kendall clan and always made the time he spent with them special and fun. Sid watched over our campfires and was the lead voice in our campfire chorus during our summer family camping trips. Words that family use to summarize Sid include: Ray Bans, t-shirts, 501 Jeans, Levi Jacket, music, playing the air guitar, The Beatles, blue Fords, and a tooth pick in his mouth, and a Bud bottle for a microphone.

Sid had a love of music. His favorite was anything rock 'n' roll, especially the Beatles. He loved to sing along with the radio or anyone else. Sid was also known for his lifelong love of catsup, which began at an early age. In his world, there were not many foods which were not improved by the addition of catsup. He was a huge Cowboy Joe supporter and an avid football, basketball and NASCAR fan. In the Kendall family, hunting season is a special time of the year. Sid mostly hunted with family members and was always pleased if he was able to harvest his game with his black widow bow.

Sid leaves behind a brokenhearted family including his brothers Dennis (Mary Ann), Merlin (Barbara), Marvin (Barb), Dean (Susan) and Clair (Cindy) Kendall, as well as 14 nieces and nephews and all of their children.

Sid will be welcomed into heaven by his father and mother Loyal and LaRue, as well as many aunts, uncles, and his nephew Spencer.

Services will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Fox Funeral Home, 2800 Commercial Way, Rock Springs, WY. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services.

Military Honors and interment will take place in the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery.

In honor of Sid, please wear your Wyoming Cowboys and Beatles t- shirts and jeans.

Condolences for the family can be left at www.foxfh.com.

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

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: