Cheryl Lee Degenfelder

Cheryl Lee Degenfelder, 67, died peacefully on September 22nd, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a 20-year battle with multiple autoimmune diseases. 

Cheryl, born a fifth-generation Wyomingite, was the eldest of 4 children to Robert and Mary Jane Bressler. Her early childhood was spent in Kirby, Wyoming, where she attended school in a one-room schoolhouse before moving back to the family 33 Mile Ranch outside of Casper. She loved animals from a young age and often said that her best friends growing up were her horses. She spent her free time breaking wild horses and helping cook meals with her grandmother and mother for the ranch hands. She graduated from Natrona County High School in 1975. 

In 1981, Cheryl met the love of her life, Steve Degenfelder. After only a few short months of dating, they couldn’t wait to start their lives together, so they were married on the family ranch. Later, they became the proud parents of three children. Cheryl’s most rewarding role was working as a stay-at-home mom, and she took great pride in doing so fulltime. She enrolled her children in every possible activity, developed lessons during summer breaks, volunteered at school, and, most importantly, raised them in the Catholic faith. She was also known as the mom with the famous Christmas cookies. 

Despite being diagnosed with her first autoimmune disease in her 40s, Cheryl remained positive and active. She volunteered to sew for Earth Angels and delivered Meals on Wheels with her dear friend Karen. Cheryl was devout in her faith and dedicated to her weekly women’s Bible study group. She also lovingly served as her parents' full-time caretaker until their passing. She was known to others as selfless and “without a mean bone in her body.” 

Cheryl is survived by her husband of 42 years, Steve; children Kenneth Degenfelder (Paola Moreno), Megan Degenfelder (Bryan Dugas), and Brian Degenfelder; beloved dogs Olive and Lizzie; her three siblings; and many girlfriends that she considered family. Those who greeted her into eternity include her parents, father and mother in-law, friend Ellen Taylor, several devoted Jack Russell Terriers and many treasured horses. 

At Cheryl’s request, there will be no service celebrating her life, but rather a private gathering of her family and closest friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Casper Humane Society.