Harold Geldien

CASPER -- The family of Harold Walter Geldien, 78, invites his friends to a remembrance and celebration of his life at 2 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at St. Patrick's Church.

He died Dec.22, 2007, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 2,1929 to Ida and Walter Geldien in West Allis, Wis., where he enjoyed a wonderful childhood and adolescence. He graduated from West Allis High School and upon graduation went to the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship. While attending the University of Wyoming, he married Mary Levenhagen, also from West Allis, the love of his life. He brought her out to Laramie where they lived until he completed college. They then moved to Casper where they had resided since.

He spent his professional career dedicated to the betterment of the youth of Casper and Wyoming. He was a teacher and coach at Natrona County High School from 1954 through 1964. He then became the Athletic Director for Natrona County School District #1 where he remained until his retirement in June, 1989.

While coaching the Mustangs, his teams won numerous state championships. As Athletic Director for the Natrona County School District, he won many awards and honors. He was a Wyoming Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductee in 1984. He was also inducted into the Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. Of special pride to him was the role he played in instituting a competitive sports program for girls at the junior high and high school level.

In his spare time, he was a member of the City Council from 1963 through 1971, serving as Mayor of Casper in 1971. He served on the boards of Big Brothers, Red Cross, and Casper Youth Council, and many more too numerous to mention.

He enjoyed playing and watching sports of all kinds. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren participate in sports. He also loved to play golf with his wife, who regularly beat him. His family brought him the most joy and he enjoyed just hanging out with them and reminiscing about old times.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years and his four children and their spouses, Dan, Nancy, and Gerry, all of Casper and Larry of Laramie; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.

He will be missed greatly by his family and friends but they will carry his memory with them forever.

Memorials may be made to Blue Envelope Cancer Fund, St. Joseph's Children's Home, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Newcomer Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.