Penelope "Penny" Ann Vielhauer

Funeral service for Penny Vielhauer will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025  at Gillette Memorial Chapel; burial to follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Penelope (Penny) Ann Vielhauer passed away October 28, 2025 after a difficult battle with cancer. Born on Christmas Eve in Sheridan, WY. to Harry and Mary Thoet, Penny was a proud lifelong resident of Wyoming having lived here the entirety of her life. Although she was a shy woman, Penny had many friends with whom she enjoyed having coffee and socializing with regularly. Penny and her family enjoyed playing practical jokes on each other. On more than one occasion a garden hose was brought into the house during water fights. Throughout her lifetime Penny was a jack of all trades. In her youth she babysat for family, friends, and neighbors, she also helped run the motel desk in Newcastle with her aunt and uncle. She worked security at WYODAC, was a cashier at the Flying J, and worked as a BNSF railroad transportation driver and dispatcher. Penny also worked for The Bears Den Bar, a family-owned business. It was while she was a bartender at The Sands Motel that she met and married Frank A Vielhauer on September 24th, 1981. They were married nearly 15 years before he passed away in July 1996. Without a doubt he was the love of her life. Although Penny never finished high school, she returned to class and earned her GED, going on to earn a college certification in Business Office Technology. Both of these were proud accomplishments for her and her children. Penny enjoyed crocheting, having made many afghans and pillows, just as her mother and grandmother before her. She loved her gambling trips to Deadwood, Vegas, and various other casinos. She liked to go fishing and once said "the boys would always get mad at me because I out fished them". She remembered going to the lake with her mom to pick chokecherries, playing pinochle with friends and family, fondly mentioning playing cards with her dad. She was on bowling teams with her sister and friends and played in a dart league with her sister and Frank. Penny's best friend during her later years was a four-legged girl named Jorja. Per her request Jorja's ashes will be laid to rest with her. Penny would give help to anyone in need. Her tender heart was always willing to lend a helping hand, be it a ride, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or a place to stay. Her home was always open. Every night she looked forward to chatting on the phone with her dearest friends Jeanie Stepusin and Bob Rainbolt. Penny is survived by her daughter Sharon (Rob) Stepp of Liberty, MO., her son Keith (Paulette) Aipperspach of Gillette, WY. ** A special note about Paulette as she was Penny's primary care-giver until the end. Paulette has been more than a daughter-in-law, she is an earthly angel with whom much gratitude should be bestowed. Penny is also survived by her 8 grandchildren, their spouses, and 7 great-grandchildren. Sheldon Aipperspach and Preston, Lincoln Mays, Kameron Aipperspach (Samantha) and kids Daedran and Samara, Courtney Haigney and Genevieve, Robert M Stepp, Ryan Haigney (Kiana) and Ruth-Ann Stepp. Antonia Montgomery (Cody) and Eden and Elio, and Keion Aipperspach (Melissa) and Dylan and Gwen, as well as her brother James Thoet (Jean) of Rozet, Wy., sister Deb Wigner (Bob) of Gillette, WY. and nieces Amanda and Julie, nephews Harry and Marty, many cousins, and other family, as well as many great friends. Penny also had 2 step-sons Eric and Matthew Vielhauer both residing in Sheridan, Wyoming. Penny was preceded in death by her husband Frank A. Vielhauer, parents Harry and Mary Thoet, and grandson Tichun Aipperspach. Many thanks to all of you that have loved her, spent time with her, and shared your stories, kind words, and condolences with us during this difficult time. We truly appreciate you having been a part of her life story.