John Robert Vercimak, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at his home in Grover (Lincoln County). John was born May 4, 1945, in Evanston, to Stephen R. and Mary “Joan” (Rodzinak) Vercimak. He attended Mountain View schools and graduated in 1964.
He married Robyn Mansir and together they had one son, Adam John.
John grew up on the family ranch and was a hard worker, doing chores as a young boy, learning the value of a good work ethic and, as a teenager, shearing sheep during his school lunch hour to earn money. John was very generous with helping neighbors and family when they had cattle, sheep or haying work to be done and expected nothing in return for his help. This was coupled with the untimely passing of his dad and taking over the family ranch at the age of 21.
John worked many years at FMC Trona Mine and on the family ranch, riding the range in his younger years and shearing sheep on a circuit for Jimmy Hoopes, a man he respected.
John was the very best at being mischievous with a twinkle in his eye. He really liked to joke and laugh, and still kept his spirits up and sense of humor to go along with his courage as he battled lymphoma for 12 years. John enjoyed being very social, and it was important for him to talk with people, even if just passing by. He loved talking with family and friends, having cookouts at the ranch, holiday dinners at Grandma and Grandpa Rodzinak’s, Fort Bridger’s 4th of July Parade celebration with picnic and sack races that were at the fort and the 24th of July parade in Lyman when he won Best Dressed Cowboy.
John enjoyed square dancing, chariot/cutter racing, fishing and hunting trips with his horses. His love for his dogs, Dot and Speedy, and his horses, remains etched in memorable stories he told. He was always thinking of others before himself and had a generous heart with his younger siblings to make life better for them. John is one of the last “real cowboys.” We will all miss his stories and wonderful sense of humor.
John is survived by his wife, Robyn Vercimak; his brothers and sisters, Stephen George Vercimak of Gillette, Nancy (Kendall) Berrier of Rock Springs, Larry (Susanne) Vercimak of Fort Bridger, Tony (Dolores) Vercimak of Casper, Jim (Jennifer) Vercimak of Evanston, Stephanie Vercimak (Van Capansky) of Midland, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his son, Adam; and his parents.
Many thanks to Cheryl Hewitt and Sally Nelson with Access Hospice.
A celebration of life Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, at Saint Helen’s Catholic Church in Fort Bridger. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be in the Fort Bridger Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of John Robert Vercimak to Saint John’s Oncology Department in Jackson.
Arrangements are through Schwab Mortuary in Afton.
