Roscoe E. Kilmer

Roscoe Kilmer, Lusk Businessman, dies Sun.

Roscoe Kilmer, businessman in Lusk since 1930, died suddenly Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Torrington hospital. Funeral service was being conducted this Wednesday afternoon

Kilmer, a past city councilman, was actively involved in community affairs and was one of several donors who gave some of the land that the Niobrara County Hospital stands on. He was an active member of the Baptist Church.

He was the first president of Stockmans National Bank (now First Wyoming Bank), holding that position for twelve years, and a past president of the Wyoming Dairyman's Association.

The Rev. Ronald Marshall was officiating at the service being held at Peet Mortuary Chapel. Mark Lohr, accompanied by Edna DeCastro, were singing "In the Garden" and "Beyond the Sunset."

Honorary bearers are John Sturman, Dick Pfister, Paul Morgan, Dr. Bill Munson, Russ Thompson, L. T. Bonner, Jennings Ruffing, Harry Fernau, Andy McMaster, Coy Jennewein, C. J. Stafford, Ed Lang, Herbert Klindt, Otto Krekeler, Floyd McLain, Gust Krein, C. E. Marvin, Bob Templeton, Gene Lenz, Bill Reinhart, Hank Montgomery, Jim Thompson and George Mordock.

Active bearers are Rick Kilmer, Karvin Kilmer, Elvin Kilmer, Robert Kilmer, Russ Kilmer, Everett Kilmer, Alvin Kilmer and Bruce Kilmer. Interment is in the Lusk cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Niobrara County Nursing Home.

Roscoe Kilmer was born Oct. 14, 1903, to John Wesley and Paulina Close Kilmer, at Wiesert, Neb. Shortly after Roscoe's birth the family moved to Kilmer Valley near Arnold, Neb. He attended the Lincoln County schools and at the age of 18 went to work for a merchant in Arnold. A few years later, he and his brother Willis purchased a country store at Pleasant Hill, Neb. They sold this store and Roscoe attended a school in Lincoln where he learned the art of butter making and principles of the creamery business. He was married to Nettie E. Lauer on May 26, 1926, at Pleasant Hill.

In 1930 Roscoe and Nettie moved to Lusk, Wyo., where he was employed by the Niobrara Cooperative Creamery as a butter maker. In 1935, he and Willis bought out the Co-op. Early in the 1940's the Kilmer Corporation was formed with brothers Venus, Idris, and Myron (Mike) joining. The corporation grew with the addition of the Golden Rule Store, Plains Equipment, Golden West Creamery and Cheese Plant at Torrington, The Golden Rule Store in Thermopolis, and Kilmer Cold Storage in Newcastle, the Kilmer Corp. built the building housing the First Wyo. Bank.

At the time of his death he was associated with his nephew Russell Kilmer in operating Kilmer Dairy Foods at Lusk, Torrington, Wheatland, and Guernsey.

He is survived by his widow Nettie of Lusk; one sister, Mary Atterberry of Van Nuys, Calif.; three brothers, Venus of Lusk, Idris of Arnold Neb., Myron of Mills, Wyo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Willis and Clarence.

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