Paul Donald Rourke

A Mass of Christian Burial for Paul Rourke will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Saint Matthews Catholic church with Father Cliff Jacobson officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Pisgah. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2013 with a Vigil starting at 7:00p.m.at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Paul Rourke, age 94, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away December 14, 2013 at Close to Home Hospice.Paul D. Rourke was born February 3, 1919 on the homestead south east of Gillette to Charles and Mary Ellen (Wetzel) Rourke. He was one of six children and attended rural schools. He graduated from Campbell County High school and went on to attend the University of Wyoming. There he received a bachelor's degree in agriculture. After graduating he moved to Sheridan, Wyoming to work for what is now Federal Land Bank. He was glad to be able to help the farmers and ranchers get started again after the devastating great depression. He later moved to Worland to work at Soil Conservation Service. He developed a farm near Glenrock but later moved home to help out on the family ranch. He married the love of his life Jane Offutt in 1955 and moved north of town, where he was a rancher for the rest of his life. Paul was proud to be a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. James Ruddy Council 3477. He was also a lifelong member of the Saint Matthews Catholic Church.Preceded in death by his late wife Jane Offutt; his parents; brothers Benard Rourke, Bob Rourke, sisters Vione Lane and Kathryn JacksonSurvived by one sister Bonnie Wenande, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to John Paul II Catholic School or Close to Home Hospice. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of the family to Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street Gillette WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website at www.gillettememorialchapel.com Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716