Obituaries: Nelson; McMurry; Olinger; Stewart; Walters

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Mass of Christian Burial for Eileen M. Nelson, 100-year-old (almost 101) Buffalo resident who passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on June 8, 2025, at the Johnson County Health Care Center in Buffalo, will be celebrated on Friday, June 13 at 1 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo, with Father Bryce Lungren as celebrant. A Vigil Service will be held and the Rosary recited on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Catholic Church. Visitation will be held at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery, with graveside services immediately following the Mass. Donations in Eileen's memory may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com.

We were blessed to have our beloved Mom, Grandma, or -- as most knew her -- "Nana" for such a long time. Eileen Marie Nelson was born on June 24, 1924, in Franklin, MN, to Louis and Marie Andre. She was the oldest of her three siblings: Joanie, Jim, and Annette, all of whom preceded her in death.

After graduating high school, and the Minnesota School of Business, Eileen went to work in the Twin Cities as a bookkeeper, where a friend introduced her to her tall cousin from Wyoming -- who just happened to be the love of her life. On June 22, 1946, Eileen married Byron Nelson, and the two were happily married for over 60 years until Bryon passed on October 8 2006. After getting married, the newlyweds moved west to Buffalo, Wyoming, where they settled and raised a devoted, loving family of five.

Eileen was always busy doing something and never liked to sit still. She was an organized ball of energy who always had to-do lists, and she could accomplish more in a day than some people do in a week. Nana loved being in the kitchen -- whether she was baking her famous bread and rolls, creating a delicious dessert, or cooking dinner for someone. She always made sure there were fresh things around, as everyone was welcomed at her table. Nana enjoyed hosting "Happy Hour" every Friday night, where family, neighbors, and friends would come for fresh popcorn and beer! She enjoyed going for walks -- she said that was her secret to longevity. Eileen also loved tending her garden each year and spending time in the Bighorn Mountains with her family.

The most important things to Nana were her catholic faith and family! She was everyone's prayer warrior and said countless rosaries and prayers each day. Up until the day she received her angel wings, she was still praying her rosary beads. Eileen was a long-time member of St John the Baptist Catholic Church, the CCW, and the Rosary Guild.

Being a grandma and great grandma was one of Nana's greatest joys! She always made sure the toy closet was full, there was extra paper in the office to play with, and the snacks were ready. Even in her later years, she could be found outside playing or down on the floor entertaining the little ones. She was great at spoiling and making everyone feel loved -- even bonus kids who called her Nana!

Eileen leaves behind her five children: Jim (Kandy Stack) Nelson, Geri Galles (Steve Moore) of Casper, Mary (Marlin) Geier of Osage, Monica (Michael) Isbell, and Jean (Jim) Borgialli of Buffalo. Nana is survived by her ten loving grandkids: Angela, John, Kristen, Tim, Sarah, Emily, Elise, Andrew, Brittnee, and Clayton; along with her 10 great grandkids: Madison, Melissa, Mallory, Matthew, Kylie, Hayden, Madden, Kaeli, Camron, and Kori. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and bonus family members whose lives she touched in unforgettable ways.

Nana lived a long, wonderful life, where her love, compassion, and prayers will be greatly missed. She was loved by all who knew her and will always be on our minds and forever in our hearts!

James Edward McMurry: 1932 - 2025

James Edward McMurry passed away in Casper, Wyoming on January 15, 2025. He was born August 2, 1932 to Vern and Ella McMurry. He grew up in Eden, Wyoming on his parents' ranch. He married Mary Alice Graham Vigil on March 27, 1954.

He was a teacher, rancher, contractor, woodworker and most important he was a musician. He loved to play music: the piano, saxaphone, guitar and even the accordion.

He is survived by His children: Cheri McMurry, Ron (Linda) McMurry, Cindy Buckendorf, Kathleen (Tim) Utzinger, and Robert (Nancye) McMurry; brothers: Jack (Miriam) McMurry, Bob (Angie) McMurry; sister, Pat Sharp; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Dad and Mom, his beloved wife Alice, sister Betty Peterson, sister in law Dixie McMurry, brother in law Keith McCarty, and son In Law George E. Buckendorf.

A special acknowledgment to his sisters-in-law, Stella LaVadie and Mary Edna Vigil, who called him often and made his life better after Alice passed away.

A big acknowledgment to caregivers Rebecca Todd and Heather Cordova for making Jim and Alice a part of their families as they became a part of ours. Several other caring caregivers over the years for their part in making Jim and Alice's stay at home comfortable.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Farson, Wyoming Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place following the Graveside Service at Farson, Wyoming Community Hall.

Dorthea Ellen Olinger: 1932 - 2025

Dorothea Ellen "Dottie" Olinger, 93, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Dottie was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was born on April 8, 1932, in Danville, Illinois, to Frank and Helen Patten. She graduated from Westville High School in 1950. Later that same year, Dottie married Jackie Brown and was blessed with three daughters: Tonya, Trina, and Tiana, who were the light of her life. After her divorce from Jackie, Dottie met the love of her life, Ron Olinger, at HW Moore, where they both worked. In 1979, she moved to Casper, and on November 8, they married. They shared a wonderful life together until Ron's passing in 2006.

Dottie worked at Exxon as a computer maintenance technician before retiring from Sunrise Conoco.

She had a deep love for the stunning and peaceful landscapes of Wyoming, especially the mountains. Above all, Dottie treasured her role as a grandmother. She had eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Watching her "Casper" grandkids grow up was one of her greatest joys. She was present for the birth of 8 of them and played an active role in their daily lives.

Dottie is survived by her three daughters: Tonya VonFeldt (Rick), Trina Leigh (Steve), and Tiana Harris (Greg). She leaves behind a loving legacy through her grandchildren: Tara (Jarred), David (Kristin), Tracy (Paul), Nicole (Shane), Jeremy (Kacey), Brittany (Adam), Breanne (Mike), and Kaitlyn (Vince); 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and a circle of dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her beloved husband, Ron.

Dottie will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her love, wisdom, and kindness touched so many lives, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Mount Hope Lutheran Church on Friday, June 13, 2025, with Pastor Preus officiating. Burial will take place at Memorial Gardens on Friday, June 20, 2025.

David Stewart: 1930 - 2024

David Richard Stewart passed away at his home on June 10, 2025. He was born June 27, 1930, in Bonnie Terre Missouri, the fifteenth child born to Rev William Foard and Martha Mabel (Porter) Stewart. As son of a Methodist minister, David was raised in several small towns across southeast Missouri. During WWII, his father was sent to St Louis, where David attended Cleveland High School. He returned to Bonne Terre to help his brothers run a printing business they had established. What he learned from working with them was to become his life occupation. In 1947 he was graduated from Bonne Terre High School, then attended Flat River Junior College.

Like five of his older brothers who served their country during WWII, David enlisted in the US Army and served in Korea during the Korean Conflict, and was a combat veteran. Upon his return, he used the GI Bill to attend college at University of Missouri in Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the highly prestigious college of journalism.

David arrived in Wyoming to see his older brother, Joe, who had settled there, and to go on a fishing trip. He never left. He worked for the Casper Star Tribune, and Oil City Printers before establishing his own printing company, Natrona Printing, where he worked until his retirement. In 1978, he married Joyce Gillespie (Hecker), and they remained married until her death in 2008.

David was a life member of the Elks Lodge, loved golf and loved a cold beer. His favorite place was Johnnie-O's, later named The Backdoor Lounge, where he made many, many good and faithful friends over the years. David had a soft spot for animals, the family always had at least one dog and cared for many stray cats over the years. He was proceeded in death by his two children from his previous marriage, Paul Carter Stewart in 1963 and Suzanne Margaret Stewart in 1964; wife Joyce, in 2008; son-in-law, Jim Craft in 2020; his parents and all of his 14 siblings, and several of his nieces and nephews. David was also proceeded in death by many, many beloved pets.

David is survived by his daughter, Lisa Gillespie-Craft; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

David will be very missed by everyone, including his good friend, Scott Novotny, who never failed to visit Dave and helped him in many, many ways; and his caregivers Jamie Ferguson and Ani Gruber, without who's help, he could not have stayed in his home in his later years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Paws2Help Foundation, in care of Altitude Veterinary Hospital, 3155 CY Avenue, Casper, WY 82604, (307) 234-7333, attention to Andrea Neumiller. Paws2Help is a non-profit established by Lisa Craft, to provide veterinary care to homeless animals, a cause very close to David's heart.

Services for David are at the First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow. Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. (following the reception).

Donald "Don" Lee Walters: 1936 - 2025

Funeral services for Donald "Don" Lee Walters, 89, will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Davis Funeral Home in Riverton, Wyoming. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Don was born on Friday, January 3, 1936, in Gill, Colorado to Henry Ralph and Edna Leona (Miller) Walters. He was baptized into the Lutheran Missouri Synod.

He grew up in Fremont County and graduated from Riverton High School with the Class of 1954. During high school, Don played sports and served as captain of the football team. He was affectionately known by the nickname "Moose."

On Sunday, June 19, 1955, Don married Margueritte Ellen Wise in Riverton, Wyoming.

Over the years, Don lived in several Wyoming communities. He moved to Rocksprings in 1959, then back to Riverton in 1960, then to Casper in 1963, then to Greybull in 1985, on to Shoshoni and Bonneville, and finally returned to Riverton in 2005.

Don worked in farming during his younger years and later as an oilfield roustabout. He specialized in construction, particularly operating heavy equipment such as the backhoe. After retiring, he enjoyed working as a school crossing guard and took pride in playing Santa Claus for school programs each holiday season.

He was active in 4-H during his youth and helped build the Fremont County 4-H Youth Camp. Don was a lifelong member of the NRA, Fishing Clubs of America, the American Hunt Club, and the Fremont County ATV Association. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, camping, and taking four-wheeling and ATV rides.

He is survived by his son, Jery Walters of Riverton, Wyoming; daughter, Rox Anne (Bob) Brewer of Basin, Wyoming; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Woodward) Walters of Riverton, Wyoming; grandchildren: Angeline Kinsey of Casper, Wyoming, Robert (Alethea) Brewer of Baker City, Oregon, Libby Romersa of Basin, Wyoming, Mary Brewer of Casper, Wyoming, and Ellen Brewer of Basin, Wyoming; great-grandchildren: Levi, Aqua, Skylar, Zackary, Walker, Blacke, Oliver, and Phoebe; and great-great-grandchild, Uzious Sherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna Walters; his wife, Margueritte Walters; his sons, Zackery Walters and baby, Donald Walters; his brothers: Hank (Reva) Walters, Robert "Lefty" (Alma) Walters, and Ken Walters; and his sister, Marion (George) Jenness.