Obituary Details

Gladys Marie Doctor

(06/10/1925 - 12/06/2011)
Courtesy of The Lusk Herald, 12/07/2011

Death Notice

Glady Doctor, age 86, of Lusk passed away Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Services are pending in Lusk.

Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Lusk Herald
December 14, 2011
Gladys Marie Doctor

Surrounded by her children and the love of her Lord, Gladys Marie Doctor died to this life on Dec. 6, 2011. Gladys was born June 10, 1925 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Jacob W. and Mary (Horner) Foerg.

She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943 and Milwaukee Teachers College in 1947, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in science and math. Gladys accepted employment with the Niobrara County School District and bravely traveled alone by train to Lusk, Wyoming to begin a long career in education. She met Walther W. Doctor who was home after serving in the Navy in WWII. They were married May 23, 1948, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Lusk by the Rev. F.C. Doctor, Walt's father. Here she remained a faithful member the rest of her life.

In 1948 the newlyweds moved to Kansas City where Gladys taught college courses while Walt attended Mortuary School. In 1949 they returned to Lusk where Walt worked for Safeway and Peet Mortuary while Gladys resumed her work with NCSD #1. When Walt was called to serve in the Korean Conflict Gladys worked in banking while she lived in San Francisco. Gladys and Walt enjoyed their time in California with lifelong friends, George and Ardith Dixon. The happy couple returned to Lusk where Gladys resumed her teaching career and she also spent part of this time as Superintendent of Schools for Niobrara County before retiring from teaching in 1972. Gladys also kept the Ben Franklin Store books for Ardy Dixon for many years. In 1966 she and Walt purchased Peet Mortuary, which they operated until Walt retired in 1990.

Together, Gladys and Walt raised three children; Robert (Wendy) Doctor of Casper, WY, Kathy (Clay) Coon and Deb (Rich) Murray all of Lusk. Gladys is survived by one brother, Roger Foerg and two sisters; Shirley Simmer and Mary Ann Szymczyk. Gladys was blessed to have six grandchildren; Nicholas and Matthew Doctor, Whittney and Michael Coon, and Brittany (Coburn) and Kris Murray, and great grandson Gabriel Coburn. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Walt, and brother Ronald Foerg.

Gladys was a faithful Christian wife and mother. Her good nature and dry sense of humor will always be remembered. She was a gracious host and enjoyed cooking for numerous family and friends during the holidays. If only she had written down her secrets for her children! We mourn her death, but give thanks for her steadfast faith.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 at the Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Lusk with Pastor Darren Pflughoeft officiating. Interment will follow in the Lusk Cemetery . Memorials may be sent to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, the Niobrara Senior Center or Niobrara County Medical Foundation in Lusk. Pier Funeral Home in Lusk is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Images & Attachments

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Gladys Doctor, 1988
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Walt and Gladys Doctor, Chamber Dinner 1989
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Photo courtesy of the Joshua Brackett Eagle Scout Project
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Related/Linked Records

Record Type Name
Obituary Doctor, Walther (02/07/1925 - 12/02/2003) View Record
Obituary Doctor, Frederick (11/30/-0001 - 09/11/1964) View Record