Brigadier General (Ret.) Vern Baldeshwiler

Brigadier General (Ret.) Vern Baldeshwiler, 84, of Cheyenne died November 11, 2014 in Cheyenne. He was born November 11, 1930 in Stanley, WI, to Charles and Loretta Baldeshwiler, the youngest of 3 children. He grew up on his parents' dairy farm and lumber business. After graduating from Stanley high School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951, serving in Photo Intelligence. In 1954, he completed Aviation Cadet Pilot Training and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. After serving in the Air Force as a test pilot, he served in the Air force Reserve and the Wyoming National Air Guard, and after 39 years, retired as a Brigadier General. He is a veteran of Korea, Vietnam, and numerous other conflicts. He had a parallel vocation as a United Airlines Captain, retiring as a DC-10 pilot with over 25,000 accident free flying hours. He visited over 73 countries. He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral, Past President of St. Mary's Cathedral Parish Council, Kiwanis, Fort Warren Daedalian Flight 54 (Military Pilots), Chamber of Commerce, Military Affairs Committee, Air Force Association, Wyoming Military Officers Association, National Guard Museum Board, Charter Member of the WWII Museum, Military Association of America, Enlisted National Guard Association, National Guard Association of the U.S., National Rifle Association, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, Retired United Airline Pilots Association, Friends of the Air Force Museum. In 1986, Vern married Paula Bunten, a widow with 4 children and their families, thus becoming a husband, father and grandfather all on the same day. He is survived by his wife, Paula Baldeshwiler of Cheyenne; children, John (Kathy) Bunten of Denver, Michael (Audrey) Bunten of Cheyenne, Cynthia (Tim) Miller of Houston and Deborah (Allen) White of Cheyenne; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren, and 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Ione Baldeshwiler Krogman and Colleen Baldeshwiler Heckler. Visitation will be Sunday noon to 3:00 p.m. followed by a Vigil for the Deceased at 4:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Chapel at Schrader Funeral Home. A Funeral Liturgy will be Monday 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral with Father Carl Beavers celebrating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Beth El Cemetery. Donations may be made to St. Mary's School, 2200 Oneil Avenue, Cheyenne; or Wyoming National Guard Association Scholarship Fund. Services are under the care of Schrader Funeral Home.

Service

Monday, November 17, 2014 10:30am

St. Mary's Cathedral

2101 Central Ave.

CHEYENNE, WY

Vigil for the Deceased Sunday, November 16, 2014 Lakeview Chapel at Schrader Fuenral Home 2222 Russell Avenue 4:00 p.m.

Visitation

Sunday, November 16, 2014 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Lakeview Chapel at Schrader Funeral Home

2222 Russell Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Interment

Beth El Cemetery

Pershing Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Reception

Little America

2800 W. Lincolnway

CHEYENNE, WY