Loss
Today would have been my sister-in-law, Marlyce Schulenberg’s 75th birthday, but she will be forever 39. She died of cancer in 1989, and we all miss her very much to this day. Marlyce was sweet and loving to everyone who knew her. Though she was developmentally disabled, she excelled in many things. She was an excellent cookie baker, and I can’t eat chocolate chip cookies to this day without thinking of her. Sometimes, when my husband Bob, Marlyce’s brother, and I came over to my in-laws’ house, Marlyce would say, “Caryn, I made chocolate chip cookies today.” She was thrilled when I smiled and told her I couldn’t wait to have some. Marlyce was a people pleaser…not for any self-promoting way, that was just Marlyce. She liked making people happy. It was the only way she knew how to be.
Marlyce, as the oldest of six children, often found herself on the receiving end of sibling teasing. It wasn’t mean-spirited, because they all teased each other, though some handled it better than others. Marlyce didn’t mind the teasing about supposed boyfriends…whether real or imagined…since it often made her grin or blush a little. She liked having or thinking about having a boyfriend, and among the other people at NOWCAP where she worked, matchups were common. Still, other types of teasing could really annoy her. Her siblings, Debbie Cook, Bob Schulenberg, Jennifer Parmely, Brenda Schulenberg, and Ron Schulenberg, knew exactly what kind of teasing would get under her skin, much to the frustration of their parents, Walt and Joann Schulenberg, who would step in when it got out of hand. Being the oldest, Marlyce had to deal with all this typical sibling mischief, something anyone with siblings can likely relate to. Despite the teasing, her siblings loved her dearly. When I joined the family, Marlyce was 25. I never participated in the teasing. I think it would have broken her heart if I had. Marlyce was always so kind to me that I couldn’t bring myself to tease her, even in a playful way.
Marlyce loved kids, and especially babies. It makes me sad that she never met my grandkids or great 
grandkids. She would have loved them, and they would have really loved her too. Mom and Dad worried about what would happen to Marlyce when they passed away, but in the end, she went home first. They needn’t have worried. We would have taken care of Marlyce, even if it would have been a lifestyle adjustment for whoever she lived with. None of us were thinking about that the day she left. We just knew everything had changed, and we would always miss her deeply. Marlyce would have been 75 years old today. Happy birthday in Heaven, Marlyce. We love and miss you so much.
When my oldest daughter, Corrie Petersen was born, it was one of the happiest days of her great grandmother, Nettie Knox’s life. Her first great grandchild had been born on her birthday. I had no idea Corrie was coming on Grandma’s birthday, because in my “labor fogged” head, I thought it was July 1st, not June 30th. What they share is called “birthday twins” and it was the coolest thing for both Grandma Knox and Corrie. When Corrie was little, and indeed until grandma passed away when she was just a month past 82 years, and Corrie was just a month past 15 years, they celebrated their birthdays together. It was so important to both of them. Their bond was a very special one and lasted for the rest of Grandma’s life…and beyond. I know that with Grandma in Heaven now, Corrie feels sad sometimes, and her birthday is just a little bittersweet, but I hope Corrie knows just how proud Grandma always was of her.
Two years ago, Corrie realized her dream of becoming a nurse, and I have imagined many times since then, 
just how proud of Corrie her great grandmother would be. She always knew that Corrie would become something great. She never doubted it for a minute, and I’m sure that Corrie has thought of her great grandmother many times since becoming a nurse. When Grandma was young, most women became stay-at-home moms. These days, that occupation is an extreme rarity. In fact, it is mostly the families that know that if the mom worked, the daycare would take up her entire paycheck. Those moms try to find work they can do at home, like babysitting and such. That was the world Grandma grew up and lived most of her life in. These days, most women have a career at some point in their lives, and the best thing is to find one that you love to do. Corrie has done that, and Grandma would be very happy for her.
Sharing a birthday with her great-grandmother created an unbreakable bond between Corrie and Grandma Knox. From Corrie’s birth in 1975 to Grandma’s passing on July 29, 1990, just one month after Corrie’s 15th birthday, they celebrated every 
birthday together. Not a year passes now without Corrie reflecting on her great-grandmother and the enduring connection they share. Even though her great-grandmother is in Heaven now, the bond remains as strong as ever. Grandma Knox lives on in Corrie’s memory files as her great-grandmother and birthday biddy. It is a unique and rare blessing reserved for the few who are born as a special gift to their great-grandmother. Today is the 117th anniversary of Grandma Knox’s birth. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandma Knox. We love and miss you very much.
For those who no longer have their dad on Earth, Father Day inevitably carries a touch of sadness. Many of us long for just one more day or one more memory to share with their dad, but that is not possible. Instead, we quietly wish him a Happy Father’s Day in Heaven, confident that he is at peace and filled with joy. It is we, his children, who feel the weight of sorrow and loneliness. For me, both my father, Allen Spencer, and my father-in-law, Walter Schulenberg, live in Heaven now, and I often find myself forgetting the approach of day, perhaps as a way to shield myself from the sadness that follows the thought of their absence. My solace lies in the certainty that I will see them again in Heaven. Until then, to my dads, I say Happy’s Day in Heaven. I know it will be a truly wonderful day there…better than any we could possibly plan for them here on Earth.
I was just so blessed to have two wonderful dads in my life. My dad made sure that we, his five daughters and our mom, had opportunities to see the country, go camping, read maps and plan trips, and so many other things. He taught us responsibility, love for one another, and most importantly, love for God. My father-in-law 
was much the same kind of man, even though the family didn’t do a lot of traveling. They were still a very close family and helped each other in any way they needed. It was and still is almost a network of people with unique talents who share the load when it comes to needs. I will always be proud of and grateful for my two dads, who are now in Heaven.
I also have several other men who qualify as dads in my life. While these men are not my dads, they are part of my family. The first is my husband, Bob Schulenberg, who is the father of my children, Corrie Petersen and Amy Royce. Kevin Petersen and Travis Royce are my sons-in-law, and they have been wonderful husbands and dads to my daughters and grandchildren. They have worked very hard to give them happy lives. Then, there are my two grandsons, Chris Petersen who has a daughter and two sons, and my grandson, Josh Petersen who 
has three sons. Both have very active roles in raising their children. I am so proud of all of these men…dads who are with the mothers of their children and are showing their children what it means to be a great dad. They are great role models and loving fathers, and in them we have all been blessed. I also want to recognize all my brothers-in-law and nephews, because they are amazing dads and great blessings too. Today is Father’s Day, and while it must be a memory day for me, it is a special day for all of us. Happy Father’s Day to these and all dads today. Have a great day!!
For my nephew, Garrett Stevens, this birthday brings sad changes, because it is the first one since his mom, Alena Stevens passed away. Since Garrett and his wife, Kayla had their girls, Elliott and Maya, they have been blessed to have his mom be able to come from Casper to Sheridan to watch the girls when Kayla has to be out of town for work. Now, there is a definite void that will be a hard one to fill. Garrett’s Dad, Mike is still with them, but babysitting the girls really was Alena’s thing. This summer finds Kayla taking a few less out of town trips, because her family needs her to help with the emotional transitions of this hard time. Kayla’s career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker has made her uniquely qualified to help her family through this time of grief, but it doesn’t help to fill the void when she has to go out of town. Still, I know that Garrett will manage when the time comes, and the girls are getting older too, so they can help to do more.
Garrett went through some special training that culminated in a very hard test and his promotion to certified welding 
inspector recently, and the whole family is so proud of him. Many people have tried to pass that test, but few do so. Garrett worked very hard, and even then, it was no easy task. His boss was so proud of him too. I don’t really know what all his job entails, but I do know that when a weld fails, it is never a good thing, and it can spell disaster, depending on what things were welded. I can’t say what types of welds are processed at Garrett’s work, but I know that a bad weld has been known to bring down an airplane, so it must be strong, and it must be right.
Garrett tells me that Kayla is the family activity planner, and she has a full summer planned for the family. That is a good thing, because as we all know, when it comes to grief and loss, staying busy is a key part of the 
healing process. Their daughter, Elliott is a very busy girl too, with cheerleading camp, nature camp, parade camp, and many others. Elliott is almost seven years old, so she understands death to a degree. Keeping her busy is as essential as it is for adults. Maya is just three, and I’m sure that the big job with her will be in telling her about her grandmother, so she will somehow know her. Nevertheless, Garrett and Kayla are great parents, and they will manage. Of that I have no doubt. Today is Garrett’s birthday. Happy birthday Garrett!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
When I consider many of the Hollywood actors of today, I find the pool severely lacking when it comes to the greats. I’m not saying that there are no greats, but in many ways, the greats peaked with people like John Wayne, and when we lost him to cancer on June 11, 1979, we really lost an iconic American film actor. John Wayne who was famous for starring in countless westerns, died at the age 72, after battling his cancer for more than a decade.
Like many actors of that era, John Wayne was encouraged to chance his name from the name he was born with on May 26, 1907, which was Marion Morrison. to a name considered more manly and tough. When I think about it, I don’t suppose a name like Marion would have gone very far in the world of the tough Western cowboy, so I can see the reasoning. John Wayne was born in Winterset, Iowa, and moved as a child to Glendale, California. His notoriety began when he started playing football at Glendale High School. He attended the University of Southern California on a scholarship, but like many kids, he dropped out after two years. He realized that college and the degree it would provide just weren’t what he wanted. John Wayne went to work as a movie studio laborer, and while there, he befriended director John Ford, who was a rising talent. John Wayne’s first acting jobs were bit parts in which he was credited as Duke Morrison, a childhood nickname derived from the name of his beloved pet dog. He apparently wasn’t a big fan of the name Marion either. Rather like the Johnny Cash song, “A Boy Named Sue.”
John Wayne’s first starring role came in 1930 with The Big Trail, a film directed by Raoul Walsh. This was when his name changed from Marion Morrison to “John Wayne,” because director Walsh didn’t think Marion was a good name for an actor playing a tough Western hero. Despite the lead actor’s new name, the movie was a flop, which is likely why I don’t remember that one. The 1930s brought about dozens more of John Wayne’s mediocre westerns. I would say that part of the problem was that in them, he played various rough-and-tumble characters, mixed in with occasional appearances as “Singing Sandy,” a musical cowpoke similar to Roy Rogers…which worked for Rogers, but was a total flop for the more macho John Wayne.
Finally, in 1939, John Wayne got his breakthrough when his old friend John Ford cast him as Ringo Kid in the Oscar-winning “Stagecoach.” Wayne went on to play larger-than-life heroes in dozens of movies and came to symbolize a type of rugged, strong, straight-shooting American man. What John Ford saw in John Wayne and put into his directing of John Wayne brought about some of his best-known films, including “Fort Apache” (1948), “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” (1949), “Rio Grande” (1950), “The Quiet Man” (1952) and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962).
Another aspect of John Wayne’s charm was his off-screen conservative political views. John Wayne produced, directed, and starred in “The Alamo” (1960) and “The Green Berets” (1968), both of which reflected his 
patriotic, conservative values. Then, in 1969, he won an Oscar for his role as a drunken, one-eyed federal marshal named Rooster Cogburn in “True Grit” one of my favorites of his movies…my all-time favorite being “McLintock.” John Wayne’s last film was “The Shootist” (1976), in which he played a legendary gunslinger who was dying of cancer. The role had particular meaning, as the actor was fighting the disease in real life. When John Wayne passed away on June 11, 1979, the world lost an amazing man and actor, the caliber of whom has never been matched.
My in-laws, Walt and Joann Schulenberg had a long and happy marriage. They were married 64 years before my father-in-law’s May 5, 2013, passing. My mother-in-law lived another 5 years, passing on January 4, 2018. I always felt blessed by my in-laws, who welcomed me into their family readily and happily. Immediately I felt like I was more their daughter than just a daughter-in-law, and I always felt very blessed to have this particular set of in-laws. There are people who dislike their in-laws, I was never one of those people.
My in-laws knew each other all their lives, because their parents were friends. Their mothers especially were best friends and often spent time together. That meant the kids had many playdates before they ever thought of having actual dates. By the time Joann was born, Vina and Nettie were friends. In fact, that is how Walt and Joann “famously” slept…well napped…together when he was two and she was an infant. I think that story is sweet, but my mother-in-law was always more than a little bit embarrassed, whenever the subject came up. The fact is, that early on, my mother-in-law wasn’t sure she liked my father-in-law. I have thought about that over the years and come to the conclusion that he probably had a crush on her long before he let her know. If it was at a younger age…well, we all know how clumsy boys can be when expressing their love for a girl. She probably thought he was just being annoying. My father-in-law always was a teaser, so it makes sense that he was then too.
Nevertheless, once they got together, the rest was history. They loved each other totally and completely. They raised six children together, with Dad as the breadwinner, and Mom as the keeper of the home. Mom made their 
clothes, canned vegetables and was a great cook and baker. Dad kept the place and the vehicles in good shape. Times weren’t always easy, but they always had love. Dad worked very hard, and often long hours, to take good care of his family. They were a great match, and they were very happy. Today they both live in Heaven, and I know they are still celebrating their lives together. Happy anniversary in Heaven, Mom and Dad Schulenberg. We love you, and we miss you very much.
In life, there are things you never expected to live through, and your younger sister going to Heaven before you, is one of those things. Nevertheless, that is what happened on April 23, 2025, when my sister, Alena Stevens went home to Heaven. I know where my sister is, because she was a strong spirit-filled believer, who knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior, but for those of us left behind, every day is a challenge, with memories of her, texts we don’t get from her now, the sister dinners without her, the holiday parties now one short, the sister prayer warriors and the sister birthday greetings, also now one short. And her family now must go forward without wife, mother, and grandmother. It is so very sad for us, but for Alena, life goes infinitely forward, and it is amazing…a life we can only imagine.
Alena was a cute little girly girl, and we always knew that she would have a flare for the beautiful. She loved cutting hair, especially her own. Mom was not always a fan of that, because it meant fixing Alena’s “new do” that was invariably very short. Alena’s hair was fine, so shorter cuts worked on her, and really helped to thicken it, but since all the rest of us had long hair, Alena’s short haired look was a sure sign that she had managed to get a hold of the scissors again. While her personal cuts were a trial for our mom, Collene Spencer, Alena was also Mom’s personal hair stylist, cutting her hair and always making Mom’s hair look beautiful for her. Alena never went to cosmetology school, but rather she became an amazing educational support member. Instead, she passed that hair talent, on to her youngest child, daughter, Lacey Killinger, who did go to cosmetology school and now owns her own salon. I know that was a proud moment for my sister. Lacey’s marriage to Chris, also brought Alena two treasured grandchildren, Brooklyn and Jaxon. She loved them very much.
Alena always had a flair for decorating too. Her home is beautiful, and her style always shines through. I never thought of her as an artist, but I think she was to a great degree. Some of the ideas she used on things were stunning. She just knew what colors would look well together and she could mix design styles and have it come out beautifully. I always thought Alena’s daughter, Michelle Miller got her artistic ability from our mom, but when I think about it now, I can see that it was from her mom. Michelle went on to college and got her degree 
in art and education. I know her mom was very proud of her. When Michelle married her middle school sweetheart, Matt, it was such a happy day for Alena. She always knew they were perfect for each other.
While Alena was never a welder, and like her sisters, would have no clue how to begin, her son Garrett followed in the footsteps of our dad, Allen Spencer, and became an excellent welder. I know that was a proud moment for Alena. She thought it was very cool that Garrett took to welding just like Dad. Garrett has not only excelled in welding but is now a trained inspector too. Alena was so proud the day he passed that really tough test. When Garrett and his wife, Kayla began having children, Alena graduated to the rank of “Grandma” and she was delighted beyond words. The time she spent with Elliott and Maya was absolutely wonderful for her, and she gloried in it.
While Alena was mom and grandma, and treasured both roles, it was the life she and Mike created that was absolutely blissful. Alena and Mike were perfect for each other from the very start. Anyone who knew them could easily see how much they loved each other. Theirs was a marriage made in Heaven, and a love that will last forever. The love and kindness they showed each other was the glue that sustained them through more that 40 years of marriage. Their Christian faith flourished through the years too, and they brought their children up to love the Lord too. That is an accomplishment to be very proud of. The last few months that Alena was with us, were the hardest we have ever faced, but Mike carried the heaviest load. Since they were both retired, Mike was home with her, and he was her main support. My sisters and I were so pleased and impressed with the care that Mike gave her. Of course, I’m sure Mike would just say something like, “of course I did, I love her,” but we have all been caregivers, and we know what it entails. No matter how much a caregiver loves their patient or loved one, caregiving is not easy. Mike didn’t care about how hard it was. Alena was the love of his life, his world, and he gave her the very best care, love, and attention we have ever seen. For that we are both proud of Mike and thankful to him. We couldn’t have asked for a better brother-in-law.
Today marks Alena’s 64 birthday, and the first one in Heaven. None of us can believe this is real, but we are 
slowly facing the finality of it. The entire Stevens family is in my thoughts and prayers today, as they face the first of many of her birthdays without Alena. Happy first birthday in Heaven, Alena. I know the party there will be way better than any we could put on here, but we sure wish you were here anyway. We love and miss you very much.
I first met my husband’s step-grandfather, Walt Hein when he was the age that I am now…69 years old. I was 18 years old at the time, and soon to be married to my husband, Bob Schulenberg. While Walt, as most of the family called him, seemed gruff and tough, but underneath all that, he was really a softy. As stepfamily goes, Walt or Grandpa as I always called him was a “bonus” grandpa. He always loved when we came for visits. My girls, Corrie Petersen and Amy Royce stole his heart from the very start. They had him wrapped around their little fingers immediately. He let them chase the chickens, and he took them for little horse rides around the corral. Grandpa wanted the girls to have fun. He wanted all kids to have fun there. He placed a bathtub in the yard years before, and when the girls were there, he would put water in it so they could “swim” and cool off. It was great fun. The girls loved going to visit Grandma and Grandpa Hein.
Grandpa loved playing cards and having us come for visits. When it was just him and Grandma there, playing 
cards really didn’t happen very much, and that was sad for Grandpa. When we came the first time, they taught us to play “Pitch” and so we played…every time we were there. Quickly, I became his official “Pitch” partner. We both tended to be ruthless…at least during the card games. We seldom lost, and he never wanted to quit playing, even when we needed to go to town for visits with the rest of the family. Once we went to town, Grandpa would head off to one of the outbuildings on the ranch for his afternoon nap. That usually lasted an hour or so, and then he was totally re-energized and ready to go play cards again. If Grandpa could have had his way, this would be the agenda for our visits there…and Grandma would have never gotten any of her work done.
When we got ready to go to town, the look of disappointment on his face was so hard to see. I knew that he didn’t get to play cards much when we weren’t there for a visit, so he really wanted to play all day, but Grandma had other things to do. She loved working around the house, cooking and cleaning, and her other activities, so sometimes we just had to stop. Poor Grandpa!! That ruined his whole day. Maybe that was why he took the naps. I miss those days. Today is the 119th anniversary of the birth of a sweet old man. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandpa Hein. We love and miss you very much.
My sister, Caryl Reed and her husband, Mike are living their dream life on a ranch west of Casper, Wyoming, which was the clear choice for their retirement years. Caryl was born in Casper, and our family has mostly lived here since right before Caryl was born. Caryl, however, has lived a number of places, so moving back here was a homecoming for her. They have been living here for a number of years now, and we have all been so blessed to have them near to the family. Like all of our family, this birthday will be a harder one, because of the passing of our sister, Alena Stevens, but we all consider ourselves blessed to have been near her and able to have sister get togethers over the years. Spending time with siblings is so important, and we five girls have always been close, so having Caryl back in Casper was an integral part of that continued closeness.
Caryl and Mike like to travel, and they have taken a number of great trips over the years, including Japan, when their son Allen Beach was stationed there; Oregon to visit Allen and his wife, Gaby; and Hawaii in 2023, where they spent a wonderful two weeks; and a number of other places over the years. While travel is great, 
their main location love is their home. They love the ranch atmosphere. Their house sits off the road a way, so they don’t hear traffic noises, and they are able to just enjoy the sounds of nature. They grow hay to sell, and that keeps them busy. Of course, Mike does most of the maintenance work and watering, and they hire the harvest, but they have really enjoyed watching the crops grow and have enjoyed the smell of the cut harvest.
Caryl and Mike have been married almost 23 years now, and they are just perfect for each other. They love doing the same things and have the same goals for their home and lives. Daughter, Andrea Beach and her son Chris Spicer have rented from them for a few years now, living in the apartment they built over the garage and recreation room. While it has been nice to have then pop in when they get home from work, the distance hasn’t really been ideal for them with their jobs, so this summer they plan to move into town. I know that will be a little bit hard on Caryl, because she has liked having her daughter so close, but at least they aren’t moving far away. Caryl, Andrea, and Chris take a week each summer and go to the Black Hills. They love seeing the sights, and that will continue, so that will be nice.
Caryl and Mike love being close to all of us sisters too, and to have a great church to attend. Most of the family attends the same church, and of course we take up about four rows of seats. Caryl and Mike didn’t really have a church when they were living in Rawlins, Wyoming. It’s a small town and there weren’t many churches, so they just caught the services our church put on Facebook and looked forward to the day they could attend regularly…and now they can. Today is Caryl’s birthday. Happy birthday Caryl!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
This is likely to be the hardest birthday my brother-in-law, Mike Stevens will ever have. It has only been 25 days since his wife, Alena Stevens went home to be with the Lord. It has been a deeply sad 25 days for all of us, but even more so for Mike, because Alena was the love of his life, his other half, his life partner, and he never wanted their time together to be so short. The were married almost 41 years, and they had built a wonderful life together, and now, he must go on without her. This will be a long transition for Mike, and I just feel so bad for him. It’s such an empty feeling for him. I’m thankful that he has their children, Michelle Miller, Garrett Stevens, and Lacey Killinger to comfort him too. The kids have been staying closely in touch and letting him know that they are there for him. Mike is a good grandpa, and he loves spending time with the kids, Elliott and Maya Stevens, as well as Brooklyn and Jaxon Killinger whenever he can too. 
Over recent years, Mike has been helping brothers-in-law, Mike Reed and Chris Hadlock with various projects they have been doing, so they have become good friends. That is such a blessing, because they are always working on something, and Mike can help them with those projects, and that helps too. Mike Reed has been rebuilding and flipping cars, and Mike Stevens has been helping him with those too. It’s almost become a lucrative new business venture for them. They have become good friends. That friendship has been a source of strength for Mike Stevens through these hard days since Alena’s passing.
Mike has always loved golfing, hunting, and working on cars, and I know that these things will help him to stay busy as time goes on. He is very dedicated to the Lord and attends church every Sunday too. That will also be a source of comfort for him in the days ahead. I know that Mike is going to be ok, but right now, his feelings are very raw, as they are with all of the family. There is just no way to lose your other half, and not feel very 
incomplete for the rest of your life. I know that while Mike will never get over Alena’s passing, he will pick himself up with the help of the family and get on with it, because that is truly all you can do. Today is Mike’s birthday, and while it’s a hard one, I hope there will be some moments of happiness too. Happy birthday Mike. You are in our prayers for peace and comfort. We love you very much.
