Willene Mae Elsasser

Funeral services for Willene Elsasser, 85 of Gillette, will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at New Life Church, with Pastor Mike Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Mt. Pisgah Community Room. Visitation will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Willene was in her home surrounded by her family when she was “welcomed into the arms of Jesus” on February 16, 2023.

Willene Mae was born in Torrington, Wyoming to Grant and Elva (Dailey) Wonch. She was raised in Arnold, Nebraska and moved as a young lady to Cheyenne.  It was in Cheyenne that Willene met Willus Elsasser.  They had their first dates during Frontier Days and after their whirlwind romance married just three months later on October 18, 1958 in Cheyenne. In February of 1959 the couple moved to Casper where they raised their family. In 1980 the couple moved to Sundance for a couple of years, before moving to Moorcroft where the resided for 16 years. In 1997 Willene and Willus moved to Gillette where they have resided since.

Willene's primary love was raising her family; she delighted in caring for her husband and children.  Willene worked a few jobs when the kids were older, including owning her craft shop in Moorcroft and helping run Blimpies Subs in Gillette.

Her hobbies included crocheting, crafting with her grandchildren, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Willene and Willus were incredible dancers. They were great at square dancing but their dances of choice were round dancing and bar room dancing. They could jitterbug with the best of them!  Willene loved spending time with her family.

Willene will be dearly missed by her husband, Willus, of 64 years; children: Speed (Jan) Elsasser of Garnett, Kansas, Elva (Doug) Malsom of Casper, Bill (Ellen) Elsasser, Kelli (Kenny) Miller both of Gillette; 18 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Yalowizer and brother, Allen Wonch and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Lethia Ann Elsasser and 3 brothers: Elvin, Warren and Roland "Pinky".

Memorials in Willene’s name are suggested to benefit Hospice of CCH, Heptner Cancer Center, or New Life Church. Donations can be sent in care of Willene's name to Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St., Gillette, WY 82716.  Condolences can be shared online at www.GilletteMemorialChapel.com.