Myron Kilmer

Myron E. "Mike" Kilmer was born June 24, 1917, on a farm near the little Town of Arnold in Central Nebraska. The place was for many years called Kilmer Valley. His Great-Grandfather, his three sons and their families came there from Kansas in 1882. His Father, an older sister and one brother came with them. Ten more children were born in Kilmer Valley.

They built with what was at hand, which in their case was sod. Sod shanties they called them. Mike was the youngest of seven, six boys and one girl, all born in a sod house. He didn't remember the soddie, as his brother told him they moved into their new frame that fall.

In 1932, Mike and his Mother moved to Lusk, Wyoming, where his brother Roscoe was manager of a creamery. He finished High School in Lusk, working in the creamery after school and Saturdays. The creamery evolved into a milk and ice cream plant. Eventually involving five of the brothers. Mike worked at that until World War 2 in 1941. He served three and a half years in the Air Force.

Mike married his first wife, Marjorie Martin while at Lowry Field in Denver in 1943. One son, Russell was born in Lusk in 1947.

After the war Mike was involved in the dairy business until 1967. He then sold insurance for several Years. That is how he met his wife, Norene. Mike sold the Town of Mills a group plan. Norene was the Town Treasurer and Office Manager. She was so nice about handling the payroll deductions for the insurance he decided to take her out to dinner.

In 1970, a good friend of Mikes who ran a Standard Station, told him the Wynn's dealer was quitting. Mike thought it might be a good supplement to his insurance business. He friend knew who Mike should contact, of course it was Kenz & Leslie. Mike called them and two days later he met Aaron Woodward and Eddie Bash in Cheyenne. They talked over the situation and decided to give Mike a try as a jobber. He borrowed a little money and bought the van and inventory from the man who was quitting, who handed Mike the route book and Mike was off, knowing absolutely nothing about the business.

Later Mike went to Denver and rode around with one of K & L's salesman and picked up a few pointers. He continued to sell insurance part-time. In 1973, Mike's son Russ started to work for him, running the route. He worked at it three years, then was in the dairy business several years. When K & L quit Wynns and helped start the BG products, of course Mike switched with them and was always glad he did. In 1989 Russ purchased the territory from K & L so Mike was buying BG products through him. Russ' son Heath also runs a BG route, so there are three generations of Kilmers selling BG products.

Mike retired at 85, he was always proud to be a BG salesman. The name BG stands for quality, there are no finer products. He never forget the association and friendship with K & L and Eddie Bash. At 82 when he was asked when he would retire, he replied, "Well I'm only 82, why should I quit doing something I enjoy so much.

Mike has been competing in the Senior Olympics for 27 years and looked forward to the next years competition. Mike enjoyed his career and the people he was able to work with, he also had a love of music. Mike played the guitar and sang, he would often be found at fiddle competitions or singing old country music with the local fiddle groups in town. He also enjoyed heading outdoors fishing and hunting or just spending time basking in the sun. Mike, with his wife Norene built and rented out many rustic cabins on Casper mountain. They also built a two story family cabin, they enjoyed family and friends gathering for weekends and holidays. Mike as he was known loved to walk to the spring for "the best drinking water" He will always be remembered as a kind spirit and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his son Russ (Nadine) Kilmer; step children, Michael Reed, Thomas Reed, James Reed, Judith Reed, and Pat Seamands; grandchildren, Heath (Lisa), Loran (Debbie) and Terena (Gary) Main; great-grandson, Byrce Main; great-granddaughter, Heather Kilmer; long time companion, Oleta Thomas; numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.


Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Newcomer Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 20, 2014 the funeral home. Interment will follow at Wyoming Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held at the Casper Senior Center from 3:30 until 6:00 PM.

Memorial contributions in Mike's name may be made to the Casper Senior Center, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or the charity of your choice.

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