Muriel Lorraine Kosanke McNeely

Long time Casper resident and beloved teacher, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Muriel McNeely, died February 19th, 2025 in San Jose, California. Even with her varied interests, keen intellect, numerous accomplishments, and community involvement, she was always down-to-earth, relatable, and thoughtful. To our delight, family was the most important priority in her life.
Muriel was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming on January 7th, 1930 to Agnes Richardson and Art Kosanke-also of Casper. She moved to Casper the same year and attended Willard Elementary, Stevenson Junior High and Natrona County High School. She graduated from NCHS in 1948 as Valedictorian. She was a part of the Debate team, the Latin Club, the National Honor Society and the 1947 Girl's State (a government and politics leadership program).
Muriel attended the University of Nebraska in 1948 &1949 and was married July 15th, 1949 to Frank G. McNeely. She had three children before returning to college and earning her Education degree from the University of Wyoming in 1960-graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Muriel taught 4th grade at Pineview Elementary school from 1964-1986. She was actively involved in AAUW and served as the foundation and scholarship chair for 15 years. During her tenure, the club house was sold and the proceeds were used to fund the Casper College Scholarship fund and the Wyoming Women's Community fund. The Women's Community fund allows a grant to be made each year to support women's advancement throughout the state. She was also on the scholarship selection committee.
Muriel served her community as a Girl Scout Leader, a judge of the Casper College Speech & Debate teams, an active member of the Democratic Women's Forum and the Izaak Walton League.
She was a Master Gardener, an active member of the Audubon Society, a driver for Meals on Wheels, a volunteer at the Casper Humane Society, and a volunteer of ten years, at Interfaith of Natrona County. Muriel was an ardent environmentalist, a proud feminist, a champion of education, and a supporter of the People's Ethical Treatment of Animals. She was bright, kind, tolerant, pragmatic, and gracious to all. She was remarkable!
In 2022, at 92, Muriel relocated to San Jose, California and became an involved member of a senior community. She started a book club, was an active member of the history class, the computer class, the history of film class and of course, her favorite, Jeopardy. She loved the music performed every Wednesday and challenged the cook to come up with vegetarian meals.
Muriel was an avid reader, a news hound, and a skilled bridge player. She was a member of three book clubs at the time of her death, still loved to travel, and was the epitome of a lifelong learner. She was always a spirited competitor in a family game of "hearts" and an engaged and connected playmate with her great grandchildren.
Muriel is proceeded in death by her parents, Art and Agnes Kosanke, her son, Dale McNeely, her sisters' Sharon Rae Creech and Jeralyn Nancy Barrett, and her husband of 71 years--Frank G. McNeely.
She is survived by her daughters-- Diane Dressen (Mark), Dawn Zamudio (Mark) and her five grandchildren Brent Dressen (Jenny), Brandon Dressen (Melissa), Grant Zamudio (Shelby), Blake Zamudio (Lexi), and Jaclyn Zamudio (Catrina). She was blessed to be so loved by her great grandchildren-Brayden and Brooke Dressen and Indy, Bowdie, Nash, Sawyer, Everett, Enzo and Bruno Zamudio.
She will rest in peace next to her husband of 71 years at Highland Cemetery, in Casper, Wyoming and be dearly missed by her family!