Jerry Santillanes

Jerry Santillanes, 71, of Rock Springs, passed away July 7, 2017, at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County.  

He was born Sept. 12, 1945, in Las Vegas, N.M., the son of Abel and Alice Santillanes and raised in Torrington along with his seven brothers and sisters. 

Jerry worked as a heavy equipment operator for decades, working throughout the Rocky Mountain region for HK Contractors, Longhorn Construction and Lewis and Lewis. 

Jerry met his wife Peggy when he was working on a water line between Rock Springs and Green River while she was working at a local video store 23 years ago. He would often tell her that he never really started living until he met her.

He enjoyed gambling, woodworking, four wheeling, hunting, fishing, road trips, and his two dogs, Koda Bear and Daisy. 

He is survived by his wife Peggy Santillanes; her children Barak Evertsen, Libby Mehle and husband Brian; step-daughter Liz Garton and husband Jack and her son Christopher Heil; one brother, Abel and wife Bonnie Santillanes; his sisters Dora Santillanes, Elma Sevantez and husband Richard and Elsie Gonzalez and husband Tony; several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gene; two sisters, Connie Santillanes and Rebecca Baros. 

Funeral services will be conducted at noon Thursday at Vase Funeral Chapel, located at 154 Elk Street in Rock Springs. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery in Green River.  

Friends may call on Thursday at Vase Funeral Chapel one hour prior to the services.