Prosper Etchemendy

1931 - 2025

Prosper Etchemendy
October 6, 1931 - October 22, 2025
Dad was born on October 6, 1931, in Montrose Colorado to French Basque immigrants Pierre and Anna Etchemendy. He spent his young years in the mountains of Colorado herding sheep with the Basque herders honing his ag skills, his Basque language and way of life. Dad was fluent in the Basque language both spoken and written. He was very proud of his Basque heritage. Ben Etchemendy was his Godfather and was dearly loved. He graduated from Montrose, Colorado High School in 1949.
His love of "all things Agriculture" ran deep. He earned many awards while participating in the local FFA Chapter. After graduating High School, he went on to study Animal Husbandry at Colorado A & M in Ft. Collins, now known as Colorado State University. He later used the knowledge and skills he learned to do much of his own veterinary work on his cattle and sheep. While away at school, he would at times hitchhike back to his home in Montrose on weekends and holidays.
Dad enlisted in the service on August 20, 1952. After bootcamp at Fort Leonard Wood, in Missouri he was stationed in France during the Korean War. While in France he had the opportunity to get to know and get close to his maternal Grandfather Jean Inchauspe from Lasse, France and deepen his relationship with his Uncle Pete Etchemendy from Arneguy, France whom he referred to as "a prince among men". Dad worked hard while also enjoying his time there touring the Basque Countryside and getting to know relatives with his Army buddy Bob Burke. After his honorable discharge in July of 1954, he returned home to Lost Springs where he helped his dad on his ranch.
In 1957 he met and fell in love with the LOVE of his Life, Verla Colleen Bartos at a dance at the Lost Springs Hall. They were married on June 21, 1958, and began building their ranch and life together. Their daughter Shanale was born 11 months later, daughter Michelle 3 years and son Michel 5 years later. Their first summer together was spent living in a sheep wagon while custom haying for many ranchers including his friend Harry Manning. Their first land purchase was the Eutsler homestead 17 miles north and west of Manville in 1959. Later purchases, the Hank Klemke Ranch and finally the Fred Meinzer homestead. Their hard work and determination paid off immensely. Their children and grandchildren marvel at their success. A rags to riches story. Dads' family is proud of the patriarch of the family, look up to him and consider him the rock, mentor, and hero.
In his "spare time" Dad loved working on his vintage cars and has a nice collection. His prized sheep wagon was gifted to him by his Uncle Pete "Peyo" and "Tanta" Jeanne Etchemendy. A collection of bits and spurs line the walls of his home along with hundreds of Indian Arrowheads he has collected. Most were found on his ranch near Lost Springs, The Fred Meinzer homestead. Dad and Mom loved to dance and were well known for their beautiful passes around the dance floor. Dad was often asked to call an old-time square dance. He would jump up on a chair or bench and call such calls as "Do Si Do" or "Cage the little Birdie and Swing!" As the dancers danced the night away. "A Life Well Lived!"
Dad is survived by daughters, Shanale and Michelle (Dee) Zimmerman and son Michel (Cydney). Grandchildren Ryan (Gabrielle) and James Ahrenholtz, Kyra (Tug) Coffman, Brooke Pate and Kelsey (Tyler) Hoch, and Rachel and Nicole Etchemendy. Sister Grace Johnson and brother George Etchemendy (Bobetta). Special Sister and brother-in-law Sheryl and Gene Jugler. Great Grand-children Andrew, Elaina, Joseph and Luka Ahrenholtz, Bryce (Sage), Christian (Jaylah), Rylee (Jonah), Kaden (Alex), Lanie, Colton, Issac, Keen, Addisyn, Tyke, Hunter, Hayden, Hudson, Harper. GREAT-GREAT Grandchildren Ava and Olivia, plus many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his precious wife Verla and his father and mother, Pierre and Anna Etchemendy. Sadly, his loving sister Eveleen Maurer and her daughters Tammy and Sandy were killed in December of 1975 in a car accident. This heart break never left him. His father and mother-in-law, Floyd and Esther Bartos, along with his brother-in-law Gary Bartos and young nephew Jeffrey Jugler also proceeded him in death. Besides family, many friends that were nearly as close as family preceded him including his great friends and mentors Fred Meinzer and Tom Mitchell. In the last few years Dad lived at the Prairie Pines Extended Care Center in Lusk, Wyoming. The Doctors and Staff there gave excellent care and love.
Memorials may be made to the Niobrara Community Hospital Auxiliary; Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum, Douglas, WY; Stagecoach Museum, Lusk, WY; or Prosper and Verla Etchemendy Scholarship.
Prosper Etchemendy, age 94, of Lost Springs, Wyoming, passed away at Prairie Pines Extended Care Center in Lusk, WY on October 22, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on October 28, 2025 at St Leo's Catholic Church, with interment following in the Lusk Cemetery.
Pier Funeral Home in Lusk is in charge of the funeral arrangements.