LOOMIS, Wendell E. (1917-2004)

LOOMIS

Posted By: Jeanette Hagan (email)
Date: 11/19/2009 at 17:39:16

Wendell E. Loomis, 87, of Big Horn, WY, died Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Sheridan, WY.

Mr. Loomis was born June 6, 1917, in Murray, IA, to Ralph and Elsie (Bierma) Loomis. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from St. Marys High School in St. Marys, IA.

Wendell married his high school sweetheart, Wyla Elaine Jacobs, in Indianola, IA on Feb. 26, 1941. The couple moved to WY in the fall of 1941 and Wendell worked for Ralph Wiley on Prairie Dog Creek for 4 years. They later moved to Big Horn where Wendell became the dairyman for Goelet Gallatin at the Gallatin Ranch. The ranch sold the dairy herd and developed a Hereford cow calf operation. Wendell became the foreman of the ranch and later bought all the cattle and machinery and leased the ranch until his retirement in 1984.

Wendell was ditch rider for the Last Chance Ditch for several years and continued to serve as a ditch rider until his death.

Wendell was very involved in community projects in Big Horn. He was a charter member of the Big Horn Lions Club where he served as president. He was a 4-H leader for many years, a member of the Big Horn Volunteer Fire Department, and served on the board of the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Big Horn.

Mr. Loomis loved to build cabinets, knick-knack boxes, planters, and was the primary architect for a mountain cabin. He loved to fish and hunt with his family and ride his four-wheeler to the cabin.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Dennis of Big Horn, Marion of Cheyenne; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.