1927 – 2025
Lois Mae Shickich died peacefully surrounded by her children on May 26, 2025, at age 97.
Lois was born in Casper, Wyoming, on October 29, 1927, to pioneers John and Mae Tripeny.
She attended St. Anthony’s School, graduated from Natrona County High School in 1945, and from St. Mary’s College (Notre Dame, IN) in 1949.
Lois married Joe E. Shickich on August 30, 1952, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. They resided in Casper.
In 1971, they bought and, with Lois’s creativity and attention to detail, restored the historic 1909 Cunningham home on Center Street where she lived until her death. They had many celebrations and parties there, including for aspiring politicians Mike Sullivan, Bill Clinton, and Al Gore, and singer Carole King. Lois and Joe hosted a 40-year tradition of Saturday morning donuts in their kitchen for family and friends.
Lois’ life was vibrant and influential. She was a member of the Natrona County Library Board, the Krampert Theatre Advisory Board, the first Advisory Board of the Casper Events Center, the Casper Catholic Women’s Deanery, and active in the Democratic Party.
Lois was a world traveler visiting Europe, Russia, Africa, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and many other international destinations. For over 35 years, she was Casper’s most trusted travel agent helping governors, judges, businessmen and women, ranchers and cowboys, students, and everyday Casperites. She arranged and led the annual Casper College theatre tour to New York City, trips to Europe and Hawaii, and many international cruises. She and Joe annually escorted the popular Wyoming Cruise, and she wrote the “Jaunts & Junkets” travel column for the Casper Journal and Traveling Times.
Lois’ love for theatre began with dancing around the maypole at St. Anthony’s School, continuing in NCHS plays, college productions, Service League cabarets, and community plays. She was a member of the Stage III Board of Directors, performed in its The Road to Mecca and starred in its The Whales of August.
She was a wonderful woman who delighted family and friends with her wit and grace. Lois was a loving wife and mother, a role model and inspiration to her children, and was beloved by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was nothing better than the pleasure of her company.
Lois was predeceased by her husband, Joe; an infant son; her parents; and her brothers, Jack and Bob Tripeny.
Lois is survived by her children: Joe Jr. (Barbara) of Seattle, R. Michael (Clairyce) of Casper, Mary Lynne (Leon) of Casper, John (Devie) of Portland; her grandchildren: Danny (Heather), Mary (Jeremiah), James (Rachel), Ana Mae Shickich, Kaiya Vasquez, Carly LaPorte, and Amanda MacEwan; and her great-grandchildren: Addy, Joey, Frankie, Ruby, and Vivian.
Lois’ family thanks her caregivers from Intermountain Home Health, especially Chloe and Stephanie, and Linda Bentz, and the staff of Central Wyoming Hospice.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with interment to follow at Highland Cemetery.
Lois’ family asks that memorials be made to the Fort Caspar Museum Association FBO Tripeny Drug Store Exhibit, 4001 Fort Caspar Road, Casper, WY 82604.
