Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Schlachter: 1930 – 2025
Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Schlachter, a beloved partner, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Sacramento, California, on December 17, 2024, at the age of 93. He was the youngest of four children born on December 25, 1930, in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josephine Schlachter; his sisters, Elsie Cundy and Geraldine Evans; and his brother, Charles Schlachter. Lawrence graduated from Rock Springs High School and attended the University of Wyoming for two years before completing his undergrad at the University of Utah. Lawrence became a very accomplished radiologist who always had fond memories and stories about his life and education in Wyoming. Lawrence loved working and continued until he reluctantly retired at the ripe old age of 80.
While his family could recite a litany of the amazing accomplishments he had achieved throughout his long life, they were very proud of him. Lawrence’s family wants him to be remembered most for the man he was. He grew up in Rock Springs during the Great Depression, coming from humble beginnings. Still, through grit, passion, and determination, he created the incredible life he enjoyed while continuing lifelong learning, which he felt was critical. Larry built and programmed his first computer, played piano beautifully, spoke multiple languages, and traveled extensively. He enjoyed good meals with friends and family, while recounting wonderful stories about how his mom made the most delicious meals from very modest ingredients to feed the entire family. Memories of his siblings and their shenanigans, as well as his older brother Charles fixing up a car and giving it to him, with continued tinkering to keep it going. His sisters kept him in line and spurred him to be the best he could be, while also doting on him.
Later in life, Lawrence and his partner enjoyed time with his siblings and nieces, where he could reminisce, play them a ballad, share cherished memories of his trips abroad, discuss good books and movies that intrigued him, and engage in philosophical discussions. He had a wicked sense of humor, immense wit, and much wisdom. It was always a joy for his two nieces to spend time with him and share life experiences and memories. Larry will be long remembered for his love of family, dedication to his work, intelligence, sense of humor, and generosity. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
His loving partner and the light of his life, Jan Czajkowski, M.D., of Sacramento, California; two nieces, Carol (Gene) Scheibe and Darlena Schlachter-Potter (Patrick) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and many friends around the nation who enriched his long life.
A public graveside memorial service will be held at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Rock Springs, WY, on June 13 at 1 p.m. to celebrate his long and prosperous life.
Lawrence will be significantly missed and never forgotten.
Betty Vine Kelly: 1928 – 2025
Betty Vine Kelly, 96, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024, in Reno, Nevada.
Born on August 19, 1928, Betty lived a long and meaningful life centered around her faith and family. She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and found strength and community through her spiritual beliefs.
Betty was preceded in death by her eight siblings and beloved husband, Bob, who passed away on October 7, 2017. Together they built a loving family that continues to honor their legacy. She is remembered with love by her sons: Bob (Linda), Randy (Michelle), Kevin, and Craig (Melinda). Her life was further enriched by nine grandchildren and many great- and great-great-grandchildren.
A private family memorial service was held on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Casper, Wyoming.
Betty will be remembered as a good friend who cherished her family deeply. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
Donnie June Patten: 1954 – 2025
Donnie June Patten, 70, of Glenrock, Wyoming took her last earthly breath on May 29, 2025 following a brief battle with cancer. She was born on June 7, 1954 in Moline, Illinois to parents Donald S. and Shirley M. Martin. Donnie graduated from Douglas High School in 1972 and continued her education at Casper College, earning her Associate degree in Petroleum Technology. She enjoyed a variety of careers throughout her life including bank teller, waitress, meat processing, silversmithing and jewelry making, but her true joy came from being a mother and grandmother.
Donnie was married in 1976 to Brett Fifer and they had four children. In 1984, she met and later married Thorvan Patten, Jr. and they shared the next 41 years together.
Donnie had many interests including cooking, crocheting, doing puzzle, going to yard sales and antique shows, attending potluck book clubs and reading. The local library was one of her favorite places to visit and she was honored to serve as Vice President on the Converse County Library Board for the last few years up until her death. Prior to that she ran the Flea Market and Antique Club, hosting shows throughout Natrona county.
Donnie is survived by her husband, Thorvan; daughters, Nicole (Derek) Fifer-Eager of Glenrock, Wyoming and Angela (Nick) Richards of Fenton, Michigan; son, Chase (Laura) Fifer of Ypsilanti, Michigan; grandchildren: Mason and Brecken Eager and Veronica June and Lorelei Richards; sisters, Kathy Martin of Ypsilanti and Cindy (Mel) Ables of Bethany, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Alice Patten of Pocatello, Idaho; nieces and nephew,: Karlene (Freddie) Escamilla, Angela Soltero and Manuel Soltero; aunts, Betty Schultz and Martha Hokanson; uncle, Steven Martin; aunt, Donna Martin; and numerous cousins in Newcastle, Wyoming and Glenwood, Minnesota.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Shirley Martin; baby brother, Donald Martin; son, Brett Donald Fifer; daughter-in-law, Jaclyn Fifer; father-in-law, Thorvan Patten, Sr.; uncle, Gary Martin; niece, Delina Soltero; and numerous aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Converse County Library Foundation, PO Box 211, Douglas, WY 82633.
A Celebration of Life for Donnie will be held in Glenrock Town Park on July 13, 2025.
