Willie August Dobrenz, 90, of Ranchester, WY, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at home surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on December 9, 1923 to William Frederick Dobrenz and Hattie Mae Krubak in Savageton, Wyoming.

Willie attended the rural school near Savageton and High School in Gillette, Wyoming. Willie served his country in the US Army, May 1944 through December 1945, as a PFC of the 33rd Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron in the European African Middle Eastern Theater. On 23 Oct 1945, Willie earned World War II Victory Medal TWX WD. During his service time Willie earned the following medals: European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.

On December 23, 1948, Willie married the love of his life Margaret (Peggy) Joan Long in Sheridan, Wyoming and they lived on the Big Powder River just south of Morehead, Montana on the Wyoming side of the state line. Willie told his grandson Justin, that he was a rancher and that "I got to do what I always wanted to do." Willie's career was raising Hereford Cattle on the Big Powder River, moving to Ranchester in 1959 to continue raising Hereford Cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens, along with becoming a local hay contractor, employing many high school students during the summer months, stacking those small square bales for several of the local ranches. Willie was a member of the VFW10105, The Peter's Grazing Association, and served on the South Side Ditch Company board.

Willie's interests and hobbies included; to always be on the lookout for the best Hereford Bull to purchase, producing the best Hereford Cow, and showing his cows to anyone who stopped by the ranch. "Little Chum" was his favorite horse, coming from the wild horse herd in the Powder River breaks south of Gillette, Wyoming.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents William and Hattie, brothers: Charles, Milford (Ray), Teddy, Alfred and Albert, his sister Bessie Kelsey, and son-in-law George Lester (Les) Cossitt.

His surviving relatives include his wife Margaret (Peggy) Joan Dobrenz, his sons, Donnie (Genille) Dobrenz, Ranchester, WY, Larry (Jackie) Dobrenz, Wright, WY, Jerry (Susan) Dobrenz, Ranchester, WY, his daughters, Connie (Jack) Fiedor and Linda Dobrenz Cossitt of Ranchester, WY, his sister Violet (Joe) Anthony, Billings MT. Willie is also survived by ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, and by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014, 11:00 AM -3:00 PM from Champion Ferries Funeral Home, Sheridan, WY. Funeral service will be on Friday, March 28, 2014, 11:00 AM from First Baptist Church 3179 Big Horn Ave. Sheridan, WY. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion and Wyo. National Guard. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorial donation may be made in Memory of Willie A. Dobrenz to the donor's choice.