Nyal Siemsen

Nyal Siemsen

As the wind blows through the mane of his horse, a cowboy rides onward toward eternity.

Following a lengthy illness and a courageous battle for life, Nyal Siemsen passed away at the DePaul Hospital in Cheyenne on Thursday, June 15, 1989.

Nyal was born to John P. and Jessie Siemsen in Douglas, Wyoming on April 25, 1916. He was baptized into the Congregational Church at Van Tassell, Wyoming with Mr. & Mrs. Van Sant serving as his godparents.

His early years were spent on his folk's homestead ranch near Kirtley, Wyoming. After attending various schools he graduated from Lusk High School in 1934.

Following graduation he soon became a respected foreman on the Bill Pfister ranch south of Node where he worked several years. He was also a foreman delivering federal grasshopper bait to crews north of Lusk during the Niobrara grasshopper infestation of the late 1930's.

While working on the Bill Pfister ranch, Nyal met Wyoma Paisley and in 1940 they were married in Chadron, Nebraska. In 1948 the couple purchased their present ranch south of Van Tassell. Following the move to their new home two daughters, Nyonne and Synthia were born into their family.

Horses and the cowboy dream became Nyal's early ambition and seldom was he found without a reliable mount. His riding skills were put to the test many times. For many years Nyal served as the scout who rode out to Fort Laramie in the original "Legend of the Rawhide Pageant." In later years he often entertained his family with many stories of his early adventures.

Nyal was a devoted family man believing in the values of a high education for his children.

He is survived by his wife, Wyoma, two daughters and their husbands, Nyonne and Ed Perry of Van Tassell, Synthia and Monty Maginnis of Crawford, Nebraska; one granddaughter, Renae Perry; his mother, Jessie Siemsen, a sister and brother-in-law Irene and Diddy Curtin of Thermopolis; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at the Peet Mortuary Chapel in Lusk with Rev. Robert Todd officiating. Burial followed in the Lusk Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial they will select.

Peet Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records