Michael Roberts Sheets

Michael "Mike" Roberts Sheets passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on April 15, 2023. Mike was born on June 13, 1943 in San Bernandino California to Jack and Marjorie Sheets.

After graduation from Pacifica High School in San Bernandino California, Mike pursued a bachelors of science degree in Geology from West Texas A&M. Upon completion of the degree, Mike began his career studying rare minerals, precious metals and coal deposits across the Rocky Mountain region.

Mike consulted for several mining and extraction companies. He authored numerous reports of recovery potential for Uranium, Coal, Gold, Silver and Copper. Mike was incapable of passing an abandoned mine without stopping and kicking rocks to see what treasures lay forgotten under the overburden. Also, Mike was incapable of passing active mining operations without stopping and starting in depth conversations of techniques and technology for the extraction process.

In 1974, Mike met the love of his life Judie Ann Frieh in Globe Arizona at an intramural volleyball game. At the time, Judie was a first year teacher at the local elementary school and Mike was a geologist for Inspiration Copper. The two were married in Tucson, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Henderson, Nevada where they welcomed their first son Michael D. Sheets.

Not long after, the family relocated to Kemmerer, Wyoming where Mike was employed by the Kemmerer Coal Company. After Kemmer Coal was sold, Mike and family found themselves in Cookeville Tennessee where their youngest son Ryan was born. Shortly thereafter they relocated to Tucson Arizona and finally to their home for the past 37 years, Casper Wyoming.

Mike found employment with DA Oil Company and began extensive travel in Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. During the summer months, while his boys were out of school, they traveled with Mike and were introduced to the amazing country and the extraction industry of the Rocky Mountains. Through the course of his travels, Mike made several lifelong friends and was able to continue his passion of exploring abandoned mines and the treasures they had hidden.

Mike finished his career at Wyoming Machinery Company and was extremely proud to call the company home. Mike loved Wyoming Machinery and the people he worked with and those he worked for.

In 2009, Mike retired and spent his time during the fall and winter seasons volunteering at the Three Trails Center for the Bureau of Land Management. In the spring and summer months he was at Old Faithful Lodge volunteering for the National Park Service. Every chance he had, he would attend geology classes at Casper College and share his passion for geologic wonders with his grandchildren.

Mike's fascination with the geological history of Wyoming never rested. His encyclopedic memory of the numerous formations, ore deposits, ancient river beds, volcanic activity and formation and erosion of mountain ranges was always a topic of conversation. He never stopped teaching those around him about the fascinating tale of Wyoming's geologic treasure trove. His last months were spent talking of the marvels of the Yellowstone geologic region.

Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judie, his two sons Michael (Rachel) and Ryan (Tristan). Five grandchildren Colten, Jack, ElaKay, Maddie and George. His sister Kay (Russ) Weed, Brother in law George (Elizabeth) Frieh and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.