Obituaries

Virginia Miller

Virginia Miller, 69, of Pinedale, went to be with the lord on Monday, November 20, 2006. Virginia was born in Chicago, IL on March 8, 1937 to Clyde and Audrey Ice. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in elementary education and moved to Pinedale shortly after with her husband Richard where she taught 3rd grade for over 20 years. “Ginny” enjoyed, playing cards and bingo, volunteer work, swimming and riding her bike and traveling in her Motorhome with her husband Dick in earlier years. She mostly enjoyed taking care of her little doggies, who have been her constant companions for many years.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, her parents and three brothers. Survivors are her brother Cecil Ice, son Daniel and wife Kara of Minden NV, son David and wife Paula of Garland TX , daughter Bonny Etchemendy and husband Mike of Victor, ID and daughter Carol Rephlo and husband Daniel of Overland Park, KS. Virginia also had 9 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Pinedale Community Church of Christ, 113 S. Maybell Ave at 10:00 am on Saturday December, 2nd.

In memory of Joan Schroder

(May 28, 1943 to November 12, 2006)
“A Rose Among the Thorns”
A rose among the thorns,
A gem among the stones,
A teacher and a scholar,
Joan stood out alone.
She was a bowler
And a high dice roller
A scarecrow once, I think.
She even found the time
To play Bunco once a week.
A Gemini of the Zodiac,
A twin attitude of course
You’ll no other like her
In all the universe.
She loved her husband, Denny
And Kaiser, her furry friend.
Kaiser left this world before her
Now she’s with him once again.
She liked ole’ country music,
Played “Frauline” for her Gemini pal,
Sipped a Coors-Lite and shot the breeze;
Joan was quite a gal.
We all are going to miss her,
But I know she’s now at peace.
She’s in heaven looking down on us,
With “Kaiser” at her feet.
So, if you look up to the stars,
And a brighter one’s been born,
You can bet that it’s Joan,
A rose among the thorns.

Andrew Fech

Andrew (Andy) Fech, 70, of 1816 Carson Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. A lifelong resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Mr. Fech had been in ill health for the past one month. He was born on March 20, 1936 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the son of the late Michael and Susan Fech.

Mr. Fech attended school in Rock Springs and was a Rock Springs High School graduate with the class of 1954. He also graduated from the Western Wyoming Community College and attended the University of Wyoming. He married Lynne McNeish Fech on March 19, 1961 in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Mr. Fech was a United States Army Veteran and was an Army Medic and he also served with the National Guard. He enlisted in February of 1954 and following his tour of duty was in the National Guard until November 30, 1962. Mr. Fech was discharged as a Sergeant First Class. He owned and operated Andy’s Auto Body Repair for many years and also A&L Bail Bonding from December of 1999 until present.

His interests included spending time with his family and friends, fishing, traveling and hanging out at Fremont Lake. Survivors include his wife Lynne M. Fech; one daughter Lisa Hay; one grandson Parke Fech; one brother George Fech, all of Rock Springs, Wyoming; one sister-in-law Vi Fech of Cody, Wyoming; several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one son David Fech, one brother Mike Fech and his son-in-law Joe Hay. Following cremation at the Vase White Mountain Crematory, memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at the First Congregational Church, 1275 Adams Avenue, Rock Springs, Wyoming. Reverend Harvey Joyner will conduct the services. Inurnment will be in the Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to services.

The family respectfully suggests that donations in his memory be made to First Congregational Church, 1275 Adams Avenue, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901.

Col. (Ret) John D. Gard

John, (Jack) Gard has died at the age of 84 in his home with his loving wife, Joan, at his side.

A Career Soldier, he was born at home, one of 6 children, to a pioneer family in Lusk, Wyoming on November 4, 1922. His education at the University of Wyoming was interrupted by WWII, when his ROTC class was called to active duty in October 1942. After further training, he was sent to France in 1944 and served under General Patton in the 3rd Army as a heavy weapons commander in the "Battle of the Bulge." Twice promoted, when the war ended, he accepted a regular commission and finished his degree requirements at the University of WY. After 2 tours of duty in Korea, Jack qualified as a paratrooper at Ft. Bragg, NC in 1962.

He was then posted to NATO and SHAPE Headquarters in Paris, France. As a staff officer there, he was privileged to shake hands with both Winston Churchill and Charles DeGaulle. Returning to the US, Jack attended the Commanding General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Completing the tri-fecta of wars, Jack saw duty in Danang Vietnam, while completing 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam conflict. Jack retired from the Army at Ft. Huachuca, AZ in January 1973. He was the recipient of 3 Legions of Merit, 5 Bronze Stars, an Air Medal and 14 other Ribbons and Medals from around the world. After retiring, he enjoyed fishing, golf, traveling and spending the summers in Wyoming .He leaves many warm and special friends. Jack is survived by his wife, Joan, of 14 years, 2 sisters, 4 children, 2 step-children, 7 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jack’s honor to Banner Hospice.