The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the October 21, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
Phil Raimondo
Philip “Phil” Raimondo III, age 68, passed away on October 17, 2026, while doing what he loved: working with his hands on a house he was building in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming.
Phil spent his career as a skilled landscaper, dedicated to leaving every place better and more beautiful than he found it. Known for his kindness, generosity, and strong work ethic, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cherie, and his two daughters, Joy and Tina, along with extended family and many dear friends and neighbors who will miss his warmth, kindness, and presence.
A gathering to celebrate Phil’s life will be announced by the family at a later date.
Killoe Sessions
A Visitation for Killoe Sessions will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne.
Ken Dana
Kenneth H. Dana was born on August 11, 1946, in Afton, Wyoming, to Charlie and Elaine Dana. He passed away on October 18, 2026, in Scenic, Arizona, at the age of 80. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his children and his wife, his best friend.
Ken grew up working alongside his dad on the ranch, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, and spending time in the mountains and backcountry. He was always happy to talk about the weather and never seemed to run out of stories to tell.
Throughout his life, Ken made friends wherever he went. He seemed to know someone in every town and always made time to stop by to visit an old friend or check on someone who’d been sick. He had a genuine interest in people and a way of making others feel remembered and cared for.
Ken took great pride in his work and earned a reputation as one of the best finish motor grader operators in the country. He worked with the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service, maintaining dirt roads throughout Bridger-Teton backcountry and blowing up beaver dams that would wash out his roads. His work took him into some of the most beautiful country in the region, where he also spent time as a hunting guide and outfitter in the Granite Creek area of the Hoback. In addition to his working life, Ken proudly served six years in the Army National Guard.
One of his most meaningful accomplishments was his 24 years of sobriety. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, Ken served as a sponsor and helped many others in their recovery. By sharing his own experience and offering steady support, he made a lasting difference in the lives of those he helped. His commitment to sobriety and service to others became an important part of his legacy.
Ken is survived by his three sisters, Terry Stayner, Debra Burnham, and Leisa Dana; his wife of 32 years, Lesli; and his children: Kipp Dana (Terri) of Thayne, Wyoming; Stacey Dana of Thayne, Wyoming; Bryn Crawford (Dan) of Dallas, Texas; Nick Dana (Heather) of Francis, Utah; Randi Fano (Oscar) of Spanish Fork, Utah; Weston Herring (Bryli) of Douglas, Wyoming and his Baby Dog. He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Elaine; his son, Kolton Herring; and his grandson, Brock Crawford.
Ken will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his wonderful stories, his easy friendship, and his willingness to help others. He will be missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his years in recovery. His life was shaped not only by the work he did and the places he loved, but also by the people he cared for and the lasting difference he made in their lives.
We invite all whose life was touched by Ken to join us for a Celebration of Life on October 30, 2026 at the Thayne Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (276 Dana St, Thayne, WY 83127) at 6 p.m.
Rick Corsi
Rick Corsi, a beloved husband, brother, stepfather, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at the age of 66. Born on April 11, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rick was the cherished son of the late Mac and Agnes Corsi. He was predeceased by his loving parents but leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love through his surviving family.
Rick’s journey in life was marked by deep connections and enduring relationships. He was a devoted husband to Rita Ann Chavira, whom he married May 14, 1994 in West Jordan, Utah. Their marriage was later sealed in the
Star Valley Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints November 5, 2016, a testament to their unwavering commitment and love for each other.
He is survived by his loving wife Rita, with whom he shared 32 wonderful years. Rick was a caring brother to Harry Chris Corsi and his wife Katie, and Thad Miller Corsi and his wife Monica. His family extended beyond his immediate relations, as he was a devoted stepfather to Scott Alan Ginger and Salvador (Chava) Segura Jr. He took immense pride in his 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, and shared a special bond with his many nieces and nephews.
Rick’s educational journey began at Hillcrest High School in Midvale, Utah, where he graduated in 1978. He furthered his education by earning an Associate’s degree from Dixie State College. His professional life was marked by dedication and service, having worked for 20 years as a correctional officer at the Utah Department of Corrections. It was there that he met Rita, the love of his life. After retiring from the UDC in 2006, Rick and Rita moved to Star Valley, Wyoming. He continued his career at the 4 Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he was employed as a security officer for 18 years until his passing.
A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rick forged many lasting friendships in Star Valley. His life was enriched by his love for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, and he found peace in the mountains. Music was another of Rick’s passions; he learned to play the accordion in his youth and later mastered the guitar and piano. A skilled woodworker, Rick created many beautiful pieces that will be cherished for years to come.
Rick was known for his compassionate nature and his ability to make friends with everyone he met. He treated all people with respect and equality, never passing judgment. His warm smile and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27th 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Thayne LDS Chapel, located at 276 Dana Street, Thayne, Wyoming. A viewing will also be held, prior to funeral Wednesday, Oct. 28th 12:00 p.m.
A service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held on October 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Thayne Wyoming LDS Chapel, located at 276 Dana Street, Thayne, Wyoming 83127.
Rick’s legacy of love, kindness, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all.
For a link to the memorial service go to: schwabmorturary.com
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rita Corsi to help with funeral expenses.
Michael Wilkins
Michael Howard Wilkins, age 83, passed away peacefully in his Geneva home surrounded by family on October 10, 2026. Born in Austin, Minnesota, on May 25, 1943, Mike lived a full, rich life centered on two unshakable pillars: his honor of God and his devotion to his family.
Throughout his life, Mike embodied what it meant to lead with faith and love. His true calling was found in raising his children, instilling in them timeless values, and continuously growing in faith and memories alongside those he loved. A faithful servant, Mike taught the Word of God not only through scripture and Bible verses, but through heartfelt stories, songs, and the daily example of his life.
Mike found great joy in breeding and showing horses and alpacas, a passion that brought unique adventure and community into his life. Above all, his heart belonged to his family. He treasured every moment spent loving on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.
Those who knew and loved Mike will forever remember the special times and memories built together – from traveling and taking in the beauty of the Wyoming mountains to four-wheeler rides, rafting trips, fishing outings, and snowmobiling. He delighted in fellowship, worshiping together, ping-pong matches, softball games after games after games, attending the grandkid events, and every Husker game.
If you knew Mike, you knew how important giving was to him, as he truly possessed a thoughtful, generous spirit in his daily life. His desire was to take care of everyone around him.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John and Donna Wilkins; his mother, Shirlee Corbin; his brother, Gary Wilkins; his sister, Lori Edmeiri; his beloved son, Craig Wilkins; and his cherished grandson, Chase Wilkins.
Mike leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory, including his beloved wife, Janet Wilkins; his children, Stacy Broderick, wife of the late Craig Wilkins; Bob Wilkins; Deborah and her husband, Alex Uldrich; Daniele and her husband, Shawn Schulzkump; Barry Wilkins; and Carey and her husband, Dustin Filipi.
He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Taylor and Seth, and great-grandson Otto; Dakota and Macy; Kinyon, Amari, and Jaivan; Colby and wife Stephanie and great-grandsons Theo and Kyson, Holden, Hunter, and Kaylee; Trevvor and Cristin, and great-granddaughter Coraline; Zachary, and great-granddaughter Charlotte; Morgan and Noble, and great-granddaughter Adeline; Parker and Abbie; Devin; Chaison and Ryder; and Carter, Samantha, Jax, and Harlo.
A Funeral Service for Mike was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Geneva, Nebraska, with Pastor Jeff Jensen presiding.
There were 3 special song selections for Mike’s Funeral Service: “Amazing Grace” sung by Danelle & Kurt Andres, “I Can Only Imagine” sung by Kurt & Danelle Andres, and “Come To Jesus” by Ben & Adam Rickert.
Pallbearers included Dakota Wilkins, Holden Wilkins, Parker Uldrich, Hunter Wilkins, Carter Filipi, Kinyon Miller, and Colby Holtzen.
Honorary Pallbearers were Trevvor Olson, Chase Wilkins, Zachary Olson, Amari Miller, Jaivan Miller, Chaison Schulzkump, Ryder Schulzkump, Jax Filipi, Taylor O’Neill, Morgan Aikman, Devin Uldrich, Kaylee Wilkins, Samantha Filipi, and Harlo Filipi.
Graveside Services were conducted following the Funeral Service at the Geneva Public Cemetery in Geneva, Nebraska.
Please direct memorials to the family, to be designated at a later date.
Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.
