Louie Shifrar

Louie Shifrar, longtime Rock Springs resident, passed away on January 22, 2022 with family at his bedside in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Louie was born September 19, 1927 in Cumberland, Wyoming to Louis Gorenc and Mary Resnik Gorenc.

The family moved to Superior, Wyoming where Mr. Gorenc was killed in a mining accident in 1930. His mother later remarried Lawrence Shifrar and the family moved to Winton, Wyoming. Louie Attended schools in Winton and graduated from Reliance High School in 1945. In high schools he was involved in chorus and school plays. He drove the school bus from age 14 to 18 for the coal camps (Winton, Stansbury, and Dines). Summers and breaks, he worked for the Union Pacific Coal Company.

Louie was drafted into the Army in November 1943. He served with the 12th Constabulary Squadron stationed in Germany as a Tech 4 Sergeant. Lou received an honorable discharge in March 1947. He then attended the University of Wyoming graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1951. Upon graduation, Louie was hired as a draftsman for Boeing in Seattle, Washington. A highlight in his Boeing career was watching the initial flight of the B-52 Stratofortress.

Louie returned to Wyoming in 1952 and began working for the newly opened FMC trona mine at Westvaco. He retired after 33 years in 1985. Louie's career took him on travels throughout the United States. His worst experience was visiting a coal mine in Nova Scotia located beneath the ocean. Louie also served on the Board of Directors of Trona Valley Federal Credit Union for many years.

Louie married Elda Bertagnolli in Superior, Wyoming on November 1954. They had four children, Ken (Jacolin) Shifrar, Mary Jo (Mark) Taylor, Joe (Mia) Shifrar and Emily (Scott) Allison.

Louie was a survivor of the 1961 FMC bus wreck. He sustained multiple injuries and spend many months in the hospital. In spite of his chronic limitations, Louie was active in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work at his home and properties. The family owned the Smilin' S Motel and Trailer Park in Bondurant, Wyoming. Louie enjoyed meeting people from around the world and visiting with friends from Rock Springs and Green River camping in the Hoback campground.

Louie was an avid reader-his favorite books were those he read to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lou loved to travel. His adventures took him around the United States, to Australia and Europe. He was happy behind the wheel in his car.

Louie's survived by his children, and grandchildren; Chris Shifrar and companion Kendra White, Cara (Kraig) Forbregd, Melissa (Levi) Dominguez, Jeffrey (Devonne) Taylor, Tony (Courtney) Taylor, Billy (Catherine) Shifrar, Michael (Kaylin) Shifrar, Brandie (Austin) Cole, Caylin Allison, Gregory Allison, seven great-grandsons: Trey Forgrbred, Tayden Forgrbred, Will Dominguez, Brody Dominguez, Miles Taylor, Archer Taylor, and Levi Shifrar. He is also survived by two step-grandsons and several nieces and nephews.

Louie was preceded in death by his parents and step dad, his wife, Elda, brother Franklin (Rose) and grandson Nicholas Shifrar.

The family respectfully requests donations be made in Louis' memory to Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 116 Broadway Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming or St. Jude's Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38105

A Vigil Service with Rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 116 Broadway Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming. A Mass of Christian Burial will conducted at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, January 27, 2022 at the church. Graveside Services and Interment will be in the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery.

In Christian love of neighbor, face coverings are strongly encouraged.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.