Gilbert Oedekoven

Funeral services for lifetime Campbell County resident and rancher, Gilbert Oedekoven, will be at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church in Gillette with Pastor George Moore officiating. Visitation will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Walker Funeral Home and also one hour prior to service at the church.A private burial will be Thursday, April 5, 2012 at the Bethlehem Cemetery.Gilbert, age 82 passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2012 with his family by his side, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming.John Gilbert Oedekoven was born on July 27, 1929, the son of George and Carolyn (Beynon) Oedekoven in Gillette, Wyoming. Gilbert attended rural schools and graduated from Campbell County High School in 1948. As a young man, Gilbert worked on the family ranch ten miles north of Gillette. In the early 1960's, he purchased a ranch on the McGee Road and in 1992, expanded his ranch south of Gillette on Highway 50. Cattle and sheep ranching was his passion, but Gilbert supplemented his time with numerous other interests and employment.In 1974, he married Chris Raitt, and she passed away in 1986. Gilbert met Rita Whalen and due to his love of John Deere tractors the couple was married March 1, 2002 at Bentz Equipment in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.Gilbert was active in the community and various agricultural activities and organizations throughout his life in Campbell County. He had a big heart and love for all animals, small and large.Gilbert always enjoyed the routine of the seasons on the ranch, from winter feeding to haying and especially watching the young calves and lambs arrive, signaling a fresh new beginning and the continuing of a cycle. He also looked forward to hunting season and the return of friends from out of state for the last 60 years. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Rita Whalen of Gillette, WY; two step daughters, Erin (Michael) Galloway of Gillette, WY; Nichole Whalen of Phoenix, AZ; two nephews, Olin Oedekoven and his wife Laurel Vicklund , Byron ( Marge) Oedekoven, one niece, Isora (Jeff) Heckel, two grand nieces, Genevieve Heckel, Valarie Heckel, one step granddaughter, Mackenzie Galloway, and numerous cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Charles Oedekoven.A memorial has been established in Gilbert's name to benefit the Council of Community Services and memorials and condolences may be sent to the Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Ct. Gillette, WY 82716 and condolences may be sent via the obituary tribute center via the website www.walkerfuneral.com. Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716