Passings

Mike L. Johnson

Michael “Mike” Lloyd Johnson, 74, passed away on Jan. 23.

Johnson was born September 6, 1948, in Kearney, Nebraska to John and Cleo (Huffman) Johnson and was soon joined by a brother, Don. When Johnson was a toddler, his dad drowned in a boating accident on Plum Creek Lake in Nebraska. His mom moved the boys back to the homestead north of Hulett, Wyoming known as “The Old Johnson Place.”

Johnson’s mother married Leonard Stoddard, and Johnson was soon granted another brother, Steve, and a sister, Cindy. On the ranch, hard work and discipline were learned early, traits that never faded. Anything worth doing was worth doing right the first time and everyone contributed.

Johnson graduated high school in Hulett, Wyoming and attended college in Casper. While in the Casper area, Johnson operated heavy equipment at a uranium mine and later worked for the Wyoming Highway Department in the Hulett.

In 1974, Johnson became a proud member of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. In those years, while attending the law enforcement academy, Johnson and his classmates slept in sheep sheds at the fairgrounds where having snow on his blanket was not unusual.

Johnson married Linda Hoffman in 1975 and the couple settled in Gillette where Johnson continued his work with the Highway Patrol. Daughter, Jodi, was born to the union in 1977 and son, Jay, in 1981.

Johnson married Sherry Walker in 1983 and the couple moved to Laramie to accommodate a promotion to sergeant with the Highway Patrol. Johnson was promoted to lieutenant in 1999 and led the State Trooper division based in Laramie, until he retired in 2004 with thirty years of service.

In 2004, Johnson started a company where he specialized in various home construction projects. Johnson quickly became known for exceptional workmanship and his word was his bond. Johnson’s loyalty and eagerness to help resulted in many remarkable friendships and many believed there was nothing he could not fix.

Johnson enjoyed chairing Saturday “bored” meetings consisting of local friends and coffee where many world problems neared solving. For many years, Johnson also organized the Sunday morning breakfast gatherings consisting of large groups of friends.

Johnson remained actively involved in his community through various organizations to include the Elks, Moose, Masons, Shriners, Knights of Pythias and York Rite Bodies.

Johnson’s meticulous attention to detail made him a very talented woodworker and his hand-crafted projects touched the lives of many. Johnson thought the world of all his grandchildren and loved watching them grow. Naturally, as a State Trooper, Johnson enjoyed the open road and loved cross country trips with his pickup and camper. Johnson enjoyed visiting historical sites along the way but, as a native to ranch life, mostly enjoyed the open road and looking at new country.

At Johnson’s request, a family graveside service will be held in Gillette upon nice weather in spring 2023.

Memorial donations may be made in Michael’s name to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give

Fred J. Madrid

Alfred Joseph Madrid, 87, known by family and friends as “Fred,” passed away on Feb. 5, 2023 at Life Care Center in Cheyenne.

ly 69 years of marriage together.

He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish, where he served as a liturgist for many years.

Madrid spent his career in Highway Development-Project Development at the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, retiring after 37 years.

Upon retirement, Madrid and his wife, traveled the world visiting 38 countries and spent quality time with family and friends. He dedicated weekly rounds on the golf course with his three sons for decades, sharing his love of golf with them and other friends. The door was always open at their house, and many hours were spent eating delicious food, sharing wonderful conversation and stories, and the occasional outburst directed toward the football game on television. He adored his family and truly loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was equally adored by them.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 10 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish in Cheyenne.

Connie M. Merrick

Connie Mae Merrick, 78, of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, died on Feb. 6 in Loveland, Colorado.

She was born on June 13, 1944 in Sacramento, California.

Merrick was a billing associate at Blue Cross Blue Shield, a hair dresser, and worked in Financial Services-Disbursements at the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency. She had celebrated a 10-year service anniversary with the state in March 1983.

She loved to cook for her family, play pinochle with her friends and play games on the computer.

Madrid

Madrid was born on July 6, 1935 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Joseph and Viola Madrid. Fred spent his entire life in Cheyenne, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1953, where he met Sally Gray, the love of his life. The couple spent near-

Services were held Feb. 17 at North Christian Church.