Verl Earl Petsch Jr.

A celebration of life for VERL E. (BUSSIE) PETSCH JR, 82, will be held 1pm June 13, 2024, at the United Presbyterian Church in Torrington with Reverend Jeff Wayland officiating. Burial will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Verl passed away on May 27, 2024, at Swedish Hospital in Denver, Colorado and cremation has taken place. Donations may be made in Verl’s honor to the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department or Eastern Wyoming College Nursing Program for scholarships. (Please make checks to the EWC Foundation/Nursing Scholarships.) Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com Verl was born on November 11, 1941, at his grandmother’s house in Gering, Nebraska, to Verl E. (Bus) Petsch and Grace McVay Petsch. Verl graduated from Morrill High School in 1960 and then attended the University of Wyoming where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Physical Education. While attending the University, Verl married the love of his life, BonnieLou Lowry on June 5, 1965. The two welcomed their first son Wayne in November of 1965 and Verl began his teaching and coaching career at Bayard High School as an assistant football coach, assistant wrestling coach, and the head women’s track coach. After three years in Bayard, they moved to Chadron so Verl could start working on his Master’s Degree in Physical Education Administration. During his time at Chadron State, Verl worked as a graduate assistant football coach. After graduation from Chadron, Verl and Bonnie moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming to teach physical education and be an assistant football coach. In 1971, Verl and his family moved to Torrington, Wyoming where he started at Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) teaching physical education. In May of 1972 Verl and Bonnie welcomed their second son Lance. During Wayne and Lance’s childhood, Verl coached them in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He was a dedicated and loving husband, and father who always attended as many of their functions as was possible. In 1974, Verl started the women’s volleyball program at Eastern Wyoming College and a couple of years later started the women’s basketball program. By 1979, he assumed the role of Athletic Director where he continued these programs until he retired from coaching, teaching, and athletic directing in 2014. It would be unfair to say that Verl and Bonnie did not have any daughters. Every year at the beginning of volleyball season the family gained 12 daughters who tormented and mercilessly picked on (in a good way) their sons. In his 40 years leading the EWC Women’s Volleyball Program Verl established a career record of 1,085-699 (.608), placing him second in all-time career victories in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Volleyball history. His teams won 6 NJCAA Region 9 championships, advanced to the NJCAA Volleyball Championship Tournament 7 times placing 5th in 1996, and 1998. The Team competed in 16 Region 9 title matches and won 13 Wyoming Community College Conference crowns. Verl coached 17 All-American players, 66 All-Region 9 players and 30 of his players earned NJCAA academic honors. During his career Verl was honored many times. The NJCAA named Verl Region 9 Volleyball Coach of the Year 6 times. The NJCAA inducted Verl into their Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2002 the Wyoming Coaches Association named Verl to their Hall of Fame. Eastern Wyoming College named the Activity Center and Gymnasium in his honor in 2002. In 2014, for his work directing an athletic program exemplifying excellence both on the field/court and in the classroom, and service as the Region 9 Women’s Director, the NJCAA presented Verl their Loyalty Award. During retirement Verl and Bonnie enjoyed traveling. They took two cruises in Alaska and made many trips to Jackson Hole to visit Wayne and Sara and watch their grandson, Colton. They also spent as much time as possible at the family cabin at Laramie Peak, one of his favorite places. Verl is survived by his wife Bonnie, sons Wayne (Sara), Lance (Aleighica) and grandson Colton, niece and nephew Karen and John Mueller of Portland Oregon and sister Jackie (Ron) Gallentine. He was preceded in death by his father Verl Petsch Sr., stepmother Katie, mother Grace, stepfather Steve and sister Lois.

Verl Earl Petsch Jr.

November 11, 1941 - May 27, 2024