Kenneth "Ken" E. Pichlmaier

          Kenneth E. Pichlmaier, age 71 of Bairoil, Wyoming, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022. He was born June 13, 1951 in Garberville, California to William J. and Frances E. (Durand) Pichlmaier. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, the Durands. Ken was taken under the protective wing of Major James Berry of the Salvation Army Boys Ranch. This became the only family Ken knew, but also gave him the dream of having his own family one day. Major Berry taught Ken the value of hard work, and that he was important and that he was worthy of love. At 18, Ken went out on his own learning new job skills that he carried with him throughout his adult life. Ken was a man of strong character and work ethic.

          In 1994, Ken met Janet (McCurdy) and they were married February 14, 1995. They each brought children to this union. Ken brought Julie, Lisa and Steven and Janet brought Gerald, Michael, Frances and Randy.

          Ken was a proud, quiet man who didn’t talk much (He’d say “Hard to get a word in”). When he did talk, it was a gem. He trusted his “gut” feelings and first impressions. When he made friends, they were life-long and cherished.

          Ken and Janet loved “road trips”, listening to “Oldies”, CCR, Johnny Cash and Bob Seger. They enjoyed storm chasing, watching sunsets together, exploring petroglyphs and spending time in the mountains enjoying the peace and quiet there and sitting on the front porch just visiting with their good friends.

          In 2015, Ken retired from Bartlett Oilfield Service and enjoyed his retirement until he got sick. He was a wonderful and kind man who made sure to always say “I love you” and “I’m proud of you.”. Kens passing will leave a big hole in our hearts and he will be greatly missed.

          Ken is survived by his wife of 28 years, Janet; his children, Julie (Doug) Fowler, Steven (Carrie) Pichlmaier, Lisa Shelton, Mike (Heather) McMurtry, Frances Foley, and Randy Foley; grandchildren, Brittney, Skyler, Stevie, Austin,  Brandon, Alex, Aiden, Amanda, Dawson, Teagan, Tori, Randi-Renee; and great granddaughter, Kaydance. He was welcomed into the wilderness in the sky by his parents, his grandparents, the Durands, his grandson, Logan, his granddaughter, Kelsie, sister-in-law, Jacqueline Dull, stepson, Jerry McMurtry and Major James Berry.

          A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Bairoil Community Church with Pastor Scott Ochsenhirt officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ken’s name to one of the following places: Ronald McDonald House - Denver, 1300 E. 21^st Avenue, Denver, CO 80205; Bairoil Community Church, 414 Indian Paintbrush Ave., Bairoil, WY 82322; or the American SIDS Institute, 528 Raven Way, Naples, FL 34110.