Carol Geisinger
June 9, 1939 – March 28, 2024
Carol Louise (York) Geisinger, a cherished matriarch and beloved member of Lusk, Wyoming, passed away surrounded by her family on March 28, 2024. Known affectionately as "Grammie" by her family and community, she lived a life filled with joy, love, and a profound connection to her faith and family. Carol was born to Ethel and Jesse York in Lost Springs, Wyoming, on June 9, 1939. During the early years of her life, Grammie and her sister, Nancy, spent treasured time with their maternal grandmother, Mae Kant, playing “snow games” outdoors. In 1945, her family moved to Lance Creek to ranch, where she graduated from Niobrara County High School in 1957. Active in 4-H, Carol won numerous ribbons at county fairs and served as a class officer. She was also named “Sweetheart Queen” during her teenage years. Following high school graduation, Carol attended Casper College for a semester before returning to the Lance Creek area to work for Continental Oil, where her father was also employed. It was through a blind date arranged by mutual friends that she met Rod Geisinger of Storm Lake, Iowa, who was then working at the Manning Ranch. On May 24, 1959, Rod and Carol married. Shortly thereafter, Rod accepted a position at Henry McGinnis’s registered Hereford Bull Ranch in Hat Creek. That following year, Rod and Carol purchased the McGinnis Ranch, renaming it the Diamond K Ranch, which is still established today. Rod and Carol worked diligently on their ranch, receiving awards from the University of Wyoming for their innovative cattle grazing system. Rod and Carol raised their two daughters, Robyn Rae (Heth) and Tracy Lee (Wasserburger), on the Diamond K Ranch. After Rod’s passing in 2008, Carol relocated to Lusk, Wyoming, where she enjoyed her final years. Carol was a devoted Christian and member of the Congregational Church], where she found solace and purpose in her unwavering faith. She enjoyed raising sheep on the ranch, accompanied by her beloved border collies. Her passion for her community and love of learning was evident in her active involvement in 4-H as a leader and her volunteer work at the Niobrara Senior Center, where her kindness and dedication touched many lives. Carol was an avid seamstress before her rheumatoid arthritis hindered her from doing so. She enjoyed sewing and sharing her creations with her family, especially her precious grandchildren. Carol cherished her role as grandmother and great-grandmother, finding immense joy in watching her grandchildren grow and her great-grandchildren play together. Her home was a place of warmth, filled with pictures of her loved ones and the comforting sound of her chirping canaries. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Rod, and her parents, Jesse and Ethel York. She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Loren Heth and Jeff Wasserburger; her grandchildren and their spouses: Logan and Heather Heth, Rebecca (Heth) and Travis Muir, Jory and Jessica Wasserburger, Trey and Dayna Wasserburger, and Hayley (Wasserburger) and Randy Anderson; and her great-grandchildren: Linken and Holten Heth; Bella, Suzy, and Kruz Muir; Abraham, Teddy, and Frankie Wasserburger; Westyn, Gentry, Gwyneth, and Wacey Wasserburger; and Ramey Anderson. Carol is also survived by her sister, Nancy Burnaugh, her niece, Barbara Long, and nephew, Bruce Burnaugh of Missouri. Her family will forever remember her with love and gratitude.
A memorial service will be held on August 9th at 5:00 PM at the Prairie Hills Community Center in Lusk, Wyoming, with supper to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Niobrara Senior Center and the Niobrara 4-H program.
Pier Funeral Home in Lusk, Wyoming is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
