Michael Zwickl

Michael Douglas Zwickl passed away September 5, 2011 of a heart attack while enjoying a beautiful weekend of fly fishing with his wife, Ann and dear friends. Mike was born November 18, 1946 in Sidney, Nebraska to Leo and Josephine (Irwin) Zwickl. He grew up in Sidney where he attended first through twelfth grades at St. Patrick's Catholic Academy. He continued his education at the University of Wyoming receiving a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, Mike was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Corp of Engineers, served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. After serving his country, he returned to the University of Wyoming, his beloved alma mater, to receive a Juris Doctorate from the College of Law, as well as a Masters in Petroleum Engineering. After graduation, he moved to Casper where he worked for four years as an engineer for Gulf Oil before opening his legal practice with his dear friend Frank Chapman, enjoying a greater than 30 year professional relationship.

Mike loved all that Wyoming had to offer, particularly his summers at the family's cabin at Alcova Lake, where he loved boating, water skiing and entertaining his family that he adored, as well as his many dear friends who were truly his extended family. In 1975, Mike was admitted to the Wyoming and Colorado bar associations. He was also a member of the Natrona County Bar Association, Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association Board of Directors, Association of Trial Lawyers of America as well as a member of the Board of the Alcova Association to privatize the cabin lots at Alcova Lake. He was also a member of the Casper Country Club, Casper Petroleum Club, and the Casper Boat Club.

Mike loved life and soaked it up at every opportunity. His wit and personality were unmatched. He felt his greatest joy and accomplishments were his 30 year marriage to his wife, Ann and their beautiful children. He is survived by his wife Ann, his children/grandchildren: Brittany Zwickl of Venice, CA, Chip (Letty) Eckhardt of Lander (Pake, Shyla, Ramsey), Trisha Eckhardt of Boulder, CO (Theo, Angelica, Talia), and Cory (Kim) Eckhardt of Katy, TX (Lexie, Chase).

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Memorials may be made, in Michaels name, directly to: The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wyoming, 201 E. 2nd ST, Casper, WY 82601 or to the College of Engineering (Petroleum option) or College of Law at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 10 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 604 S. Center St., Casper with MSGR James O'Neil officiating. Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.