Gaylen Lee Hertel

Gaylen Lee Hertel, 50, of Gillette, passed away at his home with family by his side on Dec. 18, 2012, following a short, courageous battle with cancer.It was important to Gaylen that funeral services be held after the holidays. To honor his wish, a funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 5, 2013, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Frey officiating.Gaylen was born Aug. 5, 1962, in McLaughlin, S.D., to Willie and Bernice (Schaffer) Hertel. He spent many years working on the family farm and enjoyed traveling back there with his family regularly. He graduated from McLaughin High School and went on to study at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, N.D. After obtaining his degree in machine shop and welding service and repair, he moved to Gillette where he spent three years working for L&H Welding. After leaving L&H Welding, he dedicated the next 25 years working for Sulzer EMS. Gaylen had a true passion for his work and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with anyone willing to learn. He has touched many lives and had helped several learn the tricks of the trade.On June 10, 1989, he married Mame Elliott. Their marriage brought forth two loving daughters, Jackie and Katie, whom were his pride and joy. He enjoyed every opportunity to teach life lessons or offer adventures to family and friends. Gaylen was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending much of his free time outdoors. Gaylen is survived by his wife, Mame, of 23 years; his daughters, Jackie (Jason) Johner and Katie Hertel (Kaleb Brost); three grandchildren, Kyler Coker, Tatum Kottraba and Alayna Johner; his parents Willie and Bernice; and his five siblings, his sister Val Sweeney and four brothers, Ken (Shirley), Dan, Loren (Bonnie) and Larry (Brenda)as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Gaylen was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred & Lydia Hertel and Richard & Alvina Scaffer.Memorials and condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the website at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716