By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Learn More.
Melvyn F Gegere

Melvyn F Gegere

Apr 24, 1920 - Sep 22, 2011
Veteran Flag
Melvyn F. "Mel" Gegere of Riverton died Thursday morning, Sept. 22, at the Help for Health Hospice Home in Riverton. He was 91.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Riverton.

Melvyn Fidelis Gegere was born in Green Bay, Wis., on April 24, 1920, the son of Francis Xaviar Gegere and Sophia (Van Ness) Gegere. He was graduated from East High School in Green Bay and St. Norbert's College in Depere, Wis. He received advanced training with the U.S. Navy.

He married Norma L. Barbieri on Dec. 26, 1942, in St. Alfonse Catholic Church in Kansas City, Mo. They were divorced in 1968.

Mr. Gegere was retired from the U.S. Navy as an E-7 CPO, having served 23 years. During that time, he was a crew chief and instructor as an aircraft mechanic. He served missions with an anti-submarine squadron in Alaska, was stationed on Whidbey Island, Wash., and Mira Mar Naval Air Station in San Diego, Calif. He was also an aviation mechanic instructor and for 13 years with the U.S. Civil Service. He served during World War II, the Korean War, and Viet Nam War.

Mr. Gegere had lived in Riverton since June of 2009, coming to Wyoming and settling first in Hyattville after he retired from the federal civil service at the Naval Air rework facility on North Island, San Diego.

He was of the Catholic faith and member of St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Riverton.

The family said he was a very devout Christian. He attended Mass everyday on the Catholic Network. He had weekly visits from Cathy Luoma where she brought him communion and they shared devotions.

Mr. Gegere was a bench rest shooter, a hand loader, hunter, horseback rider, raised and rode trotter horses learning the skill on his own, and a NRA instructor in Hyattville. His family said he used horses for hunting and riding.

Survivors include sons, Michael A. Gegere of Sand Point, Idaho, Richard D. Gegere of Topock, Ariz., and Christopher R. Gegere of Riverton; daughters, Marya L. Greeley of Riverton, and Christina D. Gegere of San Clemente, Calif.; grandchildren, Kevin, James, Michael, Michelle, Alexandra, and Geoffrey; great grandchildren, Ashley and Anthony.

He was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Norma L. Barbieri Gegere on March 5, 2005; his first-born son, Melvyn F. Gegere II of San Diego, Calif., on Jan. 28, 2002; a brother, Austin Gegere, and a sister, Viola Gegere.

Memorials may be made to St. Margaret's Catholic School in Riverton, in care of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.

On-line obituaries are available and condolences for the family may be made at: theDavisFuneralHome.com

Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.