Anita and Gary Troudt

Gary Troudt, a longtime member of the community and middle school teacher, passed away Friday, July 23.

Troudt had moved to Lusk in 1978 after graduating from the University of Wyoming. It was in Lusk that he met his wife, Anita, while teaching history at Lusk Elementary Middle School. When Anita was getting ready to move to another house Gary was the only one she could think of that would help her. After dating for four years they were married on Aug. 7, 1982.

He was known for his passion and tenacity of life. One could often engage in long conversations about one of his favorite subjects, President John F. Kennedy. For over 30 years Troudt had taught many students and was loved by all that had had him for a teacher. “I always remember Gary being a kid magnet. During lunch all the kids either had to sit by him or stop and say hi,” Rick Luchsinger, Niobrara County School District Superintendent shared. “It is a great loss for the kids, community and school district. He was a genuine loving man who the kids all loved. Our condolences go out to his family.”

Throughout the years Troudt had coached middle school football and basketball. He enjoyed driving his 1973 jeep around town. During the summer he would drive down to the swimming pool to see who was out. When driving over the overpass he would try and see how loud he could get his jeep and would often wonder if he was going to be pulled over by Police Officer Sean Dreesen.

He was fond of gardening, and always had season tickets to UW football games. He was also a Green Bay Packer fan. His love of football was what had initially brought him to the University of Wyoming, but due to an injury he wasn’t able to play. He had gone home to Guernsey, where he had grown up and worked at the Sunrise Mine before returning to school.

Throughout the years Troudt had struggled with diabetes. Always the optimist his one goal was to return to teaching last year. He had become ill and was hospitalized most of the school year. Although he was away his family, friends, students and co-workers were never far from his thoughts. Many sent cards, letters, posters and videos of Homecoming and football games. He received visits from students and from former students he had taught while hospitalized.

“I remember he would always wear a trout tie on the first day of school,” said former LEMS student Kerri Dean. “He made social studies very fun and I enjoyed the way he taught. He was well liked by all his students and I loved to hear him laugh and tell strange jokes. “

“His commitment to the youth of this community and his church was something that I always envied,” said retired Niobrara County High School Principal Joe Tully. “He was no stranger to adversity, only a man with a tremendous faith and courage could still find time to share a smile with a youngster.”

Visitation will be held on Aug. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Pier Funeral Home. Services will be held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church on Monday, Aug. 3 at 1 p.m.

For the complete article see the 07-29-2009 issue.

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