Keigh Niethammer

Keigh Niethammer, 84, died on February 11, 2015 at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, WY. Keigh Janet Niethammer was born on April 21, 1930 in McPherson, Kansas, the daughter of Emmett and Regilia Ostlind. At the age of eleven, Keigh and her older brother, Keith, moved with their parents to Casper, WY where her father pursued work as an electrician in the oilfields during the boom of 1941. Keigh graduated from Natrona County High School with the class of 1948. Her first job was working in the record department of the downtown JC Penney store. She later went to work for an accounting firm where she performed secretarial duties. She was proud of how she had been able to type large financial documents without any errors. She carefully saved a portion of each paycheck in order to buy a silver place setting in preparation to be a wonderful homemaker. Keigh attracted the attention of the dashing Fred Niethammer, who worked across the street, by wearing her special green knit dress. Following a fairly brief courtship, the two became engaged and then married two weeks later on March 29, 1952. Fred wanted to go skiing in Sun Valley and she refused to go unless she was married. That was Keigh's first and last skiing adventure. Keigh and Fred were the first couple to be married in the new sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church. Keigh soon became the mother of four children and embraced her love of family. She was a room mother, worked in the school library, and made sure that there was always a good meal on the table every single night, regardless of when her kids made it home from school activities. She continued making those same fabulous meals when she was cooking for herself and Fred. During her life, Keigh enjoyed doing ceramics, china painting, gardening and sewing. She was a member of P.E.O Chapter AT. As the family began to grow, the young couple built the first home on Bellaire Drive, a part of the old CY Ranch. Keigh and Fred were founding members of the Viva La Joie dance club and participated until her health kept them from attending. The couple enjoyed trips together to Italy, Greece, Spain and Hawaii as well as drives to Washington, Minnesota and Arizona to visit family. Keigh's life was truly centered on family. She took great care of her children, husband and grandchildren. She was a long time caregiver for her parents and special aunt. In recent years, many a Sunday evening was spent at her daughter and son-in-law's home playing cards and eating a fine meal. Even while she resided at Life Care Center she was able to come home for the fun. Keigh is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Fred, her children Dr. Thomas (Elizabeth) of Sheridan, WY; John (Susan) of Stillwater, MN; Ruth and Sarah (Bob) Johnson of Casper. She is also survived by her grandchildren Reverend Mark (Amalie) Niethammer of Albert Lea, MN; Luke (Katie) Niethammer of Chaska, MN; Kelsey Niethammer of Saint Paul, Minnesota; Laura and Trevor Johnson of Casper; and great granddaughter Julia Niethammer of Albert Lea, Minnesota. Keigh was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Keith Ostlind and her grandson David Niethammer. All are welcome to attend a graveside service on Monday, February 16, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at Memorial Gardens. A further celebration of her life will be held at a later time. Memorials may be made to Life Care Center of Casper for use in resident needs or to any other charity.

Service

Monday, February 16, 2015 2:00pm

Memorial Gardens Cemetery

7430 West Yellowstone

Casper, Wyoming 82604

Visitation

Monday, February 16, 2015 9:00am - 12:00pm

Bustard's Funeral Home

600 CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82601