Loren "Teense" Willford

Loren “Teense” Harold Willford died September 3, 2024, after years of battling cancer. He was 85 years old.

Teense was born June 19, 1939, in Saratoga, Wyoming, to Harold and Josephine Willford, joining his older brothers Bill and Bruce. After graduating from Saratoga High School in 1957, Teense was drafted into the US Army and stationed in Germany on the Berlin Wall. After his return from the Army, he met and married the love of his life, Sandra Annan. They made their home on the Willford Ranch, welcoming three children, Mark, Lorrie, and Stacy. When Teense wasn’t feeding cows or building fences he could be found dedicating much of his time to the Masonic, Eastern Star and Job’s Daughters chapters locally and across the state of Wyoming receiving many honors including becoming a 33rd degree Mason.

 After leaving the ranch in the mid 1980’s, he served as Chamber of Commerce Director and began his political career serving in the Wyoming Legislature for 12 years.

 Music was a big part of Teense’s life and started at an early age. When growing up on the ranch, the family would sit around and play music. On weekends, they would play for dances throughout the valley. This love of music continued when he started his own band, “Wyoming Home Grown” entertaining across Wyoming and beyond. He never missed a gig at Old Baldy Club, Brush Creek Ranch, and A Bar A. He was a true musician and entertainer for over 75 years.

 He loved the game of golf, watching the Denver Broncos, meeting the “coffee crew” at the Saratoga Inn each morning, and announcing home football games and parades. He was known to sit in for Santa at the local schools, bringing joy to each and every kid. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and was honored to play the organ and lead the music on Sundays.

 Teense was a 4th generation native to the Valley and was proud to call it home. One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a founding board member of the Platte Valley Legacy Foundation and the North Platte Valley Medical Center.

 He is survived by his son Mark Willford, daughter Stacy and husband Eric Blomfelt, grandchildren Mason Willford, Kiera Willford, Harley Klemola, Macey Combs, Cody Combs, Alex Earles, Ryan Klemola, Jack Blomfelt, Andy Blomfelt, sisters-in-law Sharon Willford, Mickey Anderson, brothers-in-law Pat Annan, Lonnie Annan, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Jo Willford, brothers Bill and Bruce Willford, his wife of nearly 60 years Sandy Willford, and daughter Lorrie Willford.

 Donations can be made to Platte Valley Legacy Foundation, P. O. Box 1274, Saratoga, Wyoming 82331 or Corbett Medical Foundation, P. O. Box 549, Saratoga, Wyoming 82331.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM a the the Saratoga Middle - High School gymnasium. The service will be live streamed. Please use the link below to view live and it will be available for 90 days following the service.