June Lohse, 92, long time resident of Dayton, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by
family February 24,2018. June was born May 3, 1925 to parents William and Emily (Codneys) Smith.
She grew up in Sheridan and on Big Goose Creek, west of Sheridan, with her sister Darlene and
brothers Denis and Henry. In Sheridan they lived on the corner of Grinnell and Main Street (at that time,
it was an apartment building).
On Big Goose Creek the family had an asparagus farm. At the age of 10 June would drive her mother
into Sheridan to sell asparagus. This was before driver licenses were required.
June attended Holy Name Catholic School and Sheridan High School.
On July 10, 1942, she married Andrew Gorman. Priscilla, was born from this union on May 27,1943. Andy was killed November 27, 1943 in action during WW II.
On June 14, 1947, June married Vernon Lohse. They moved to Sussex, Wyoming. A son, William Allen, was born, but died in infancy. While in Sussex, they lived in a 75 year old log cabin. The logs were held together with chink (cement).
From 1947 through 1955, June and Vernon lived in Sussex, Wyoming, on the TA Ranch, south of Buffalo, Wyoming, the site of the historic Johnson County Cattle War. They then moved to Linch, Wyoming during the oil boom years then moving to Seney Point (Lake Desmet when there was a boat marina and restaurant on the east side of the lake) then Newcastle, Wyoming, during the oil boom years there. During these years, where ever they were, June would work as a cook. Vernon did ranch work, was involved in oil and gas during the boom years and managed the marina at Lake Desmet.
In 1956, June and Vernon moved Sheridan, Wyoming. They owned and operated the Standard Oil and Gas station which was located at the corner of Main and Mandel street. On May 10, 1961, Matthew was born in Sheridan.
In 1965, June and Vernon moved to Dayton where she remained until her death. For 16 years, they owned and operated the Standard oil and gas station on Main street together. During these years, Vern’s Standard station served as a social gathering place for many of Dayton’s youth. Vernon passed away in May, 1984 after 37 years of marriage.
June’s passion was cooking. She was well known for creating the most tasty foods and deserts. Anyone who had the privilege to eat her creations will agree. She loved to dance. In earlier years, you could find her dancing at the Crescent Hotel, Bruno’s in the Monarch -Acme area, Croghan Hall in Dayton and the Country Night Club off Decker road. After moving to Sheridan and Dayton, she and Vernon would frequent the Elk’s on Saturday nights to go dancing.
June is survived by her sister Darlene Mancini of Sheridan, daughter Priscilla Working of Sheridan, son Matthew (Sharon) of Dayton, grandchildren Stephanie Fox of Fort Collins, CO, Daughter of Priscilla, Stacy Lara (Bub) of Gillette, WY, Keaton and Dillion Lyons of Dayton, children of Matthew and Sharon. Great Grandchildren Jasmine, Eva, Eli, children of Stephanie, Jillian and Carson children of Stacy and Bub. Great Great Grandchildren Gabriel and Isaac children of Eva. Numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Emily Smith, brothers Henry and Denis, husbands Andrew and Vernon, special friends Bill Jackson and Will Vassu, son William and son-in-law Fred Working.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in June’s honor to the Tongue River Community Center, 411 Dayton St., Dayton, WY 82839.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 2, 2018, at Kane Funeral Home with Reverend Kevin Jones officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sheridan Elks Memorial Cemetery with a Reception to follow in the Kane Reception Hall.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
