Obit: Bryan, John Jerome (1934 -2005)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Surnames: Bryan, Broihier, Guetschow, Larson, Yankee, Ferraro, Price, Jones, Krause

----Sources: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) August 31, 2005

Bryan, John Jerome (24 Nov. 1934 – 18 Aug. 2005)

John Jerome Bryan, age 70, of Glenrock, WY, passed away at his home on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2005 of natural causes.

John was born Nov. 24, 1934 in Neillsville, the fourth of fourteen children born to George H and Leona (Broihier) Bryan. John grew up on the family farm in the township of Levis and attended Riverside School, traveling by horseback on his horse ‘Chief’.

He worked on the family farm, ran a milk route, and also worked at the Winnebago Indian School farm at Neillsville, Wis. He became a paraplegic after an auto accident at the age of 19. John overcame his handicap by making his own hand controls for vehicles, did his own mechanical work as well as mechanical work for many others. He also operated a saw sharpening business from the farm.

A neighbor talked him into going to Douglas, WY, to be a radio announcer and he was employed by the Douglas Radio Station KWIV for a long time and was known as "J.V. the D.J. the Rolling Drug Store Cowboy." He was also a state fair radio announcer. Later he was employed as a night watchman for Chinook Pipeline Company.

A black powder enthusiast, self taught gunsmith and an avid hunter, he shot numerous trophy moose, elk, deer and antelope. With his many talents he was also a well-known taxidermist, shipping jackalopes and other mounts all over the United States. He became an accomplished machinist making his own metal lathe. He was very proud to help other handicapped hunters by guiding with the first "Hell of a Hunt" locally held.

Living in Glenrock he was the pied piper of his neighborhood and enjoyed gardening with the neighborhood children. He took great pride in his yard and had received "Yard of the Year" award, which he was very proud of. He was well known for his love of antique vehicles, and had almost completed the total restoration of a 1930 Model A Ford for which he had received a trophy from the local car club.

John was well known for being quite a prankster. He was truly a family man helping anyone he could. He loved God and his family, his neighbors, and especially Wyoming where he had lived for over 45 years. He is greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

Surviving John are his siblings: Kathleen Guetschow, Viola Larson, Judy Bryan, Jean Yankee, Bonnie Ferraro, Del, Dave, Donald, Joseph, Wayne and Robert Bryan: many cousins, nieces, and nephews including, Leda L Price, Joe and Phyllis Price, Joey and Rick Price, Kathleen Jones and family; special friend, Karen Krause; and all his many other friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one brother, George "Buzz" Bryan.

Graveside services were held Aug. 27, at the Glenrock Cemetery, in Glenrock, WY. Pastor Robb Jupp of the Fundamental Baptist Church officiated. Gorman Funeral Home-Converse Chapel of Douglas helped the family with arrangements. The family asks that in lieu of flowers give a memorial to the Glenrock Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 783, Glenrock, WY 82637, or to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation of Wyoming, 322 South Ash Street, Casper, WY 82601.