Dr. Russell L. Wambeam, long-time Laramie veterinarian, beloved husband to Margaret and father of four children, passed away July 18th 2023. He was born in Iowa on April 11, 1935, to Russell and Stella (Eckert) Wambeam. They moved to Minnesota a few years later, where he and his siblings were raised on the family farm.
Russell’s love of animals surfaced at a young age. His sister Alcienne tells the story of how he loved to sneak a half dozen freshly baked cookies then would disappear, only to be found eating them while reading his books with the pigs in the barn. When he was in high school 4H, Russell set up the very first petting zoo for the Minnesota State Fair. His interest in animal care led him to get his Veterinary degree, attending and graduating from the University of Minnesota.
Russell and Margaret met at junior college in Austin, Minnesota, and they were married in Iowa in 1959. After some time practicing veterinary medicine in Minnesota, family camping trips to the Rocky Mountains drew them to Wyoming in 1973. They lived in Laramie for the rest of their lives, raising four children and becoming grandparents to five.
In Laramie, Dr. Wambeam cared for animals at his veterinary hospital through several decades, and he taught classes in Animal Care at the University of Wyoming. Because of his career, our family home was filled with animals. Many were our own pets, but often we were assistant caretakers for patients needing extra attention. It was not unusual to be asked to keep a sick animal snuggled up and warm, or to accompany dad on an emergency call. He was devoted to his furry patients, remembering all of their names (while joking that he couldn’t always remember the names of their owners).
He loved hiking and camping, taking his family to explore state and national parks and teaching us all basic outdoor skills. Russell also enjoyed many sports, riding his bicycle and playing soccer and basketball into his senior years. He often coached his children’s baseball teams, and even served as an umpire for local leagues. As he got older, he took up baking, making many batches of wonderful cookies for his grandchildren.
Russell cared deeply for his kids and our spouses, supporting us in our endeavours and celebrating our achievements in ways that made us feel extra special. Our father was an incredible role model to us, showing how to be strong and loving and hardworking and funny and patient and kind. He was the best father and husband possible, and we feel his loss deeply.
Russell was preceded in death by his wife Margaret and his brother Rodger. He is greatly missed by his children Cindy Wambeam (Jeff House), Rodney Wambeam (Laurie Homer), Tammy Wambeam (Dave Handwerger), and Randy Wambeam; grandchildren London (Maddie Vahle), Hazel, Ruby, Winnie, and Truly. His siblings and their spouses Alcienne & Chuck Madison, Rodger & Judy Wambeam, Dellene & Steve Schwartz brought much happiness to his life.
We are proud that our father was an organ donor. His skin will be used in grafts for burn victims and for procedures like breast reconstruction after mastectomies. It brings us happiness to know that other’s lives will be made better through his donation.
There will be a Public Reception in memory of Dr. Russell Wambeam at 1pm on Saturday, August 26th, at the home of his son. Friends and family are very welcome to join us as we share memories and eat good food. Please RSVP to 307-460-1687 for the address.
In lieu of flowers, our family requests that you make a donation to the Laramie Animal Welfare Society. Information available at https://www.laramieanimals.org/
Dr. Wambeam was a treasured mentor, colleague, and friend while I was going to school in Laramie and working there afterwards. He was my wife’s vet before we met and she absolutely loved him. He was a tremendous asset to our profession and he will be missed. Mike Meeboer, DVM
Dr. Wambeam was such a kind and dedicated vet and friend. He took care of our horses, dogs, and cats through the years. His wonderful family will miss him. We were so fortunate to have known him.
As a former Laramie Police Department Animal Control and Welfare Officer, I can attest to Dr. Wambeam's compassion for animals. His compassion, however, also extended to those of us with a very difficult job to do in service to our community. He was ALWAYS available to assist us in any manner requested and never failed in giving us the answers or the aid we needed, with no sugar-coating. He treated us as colleagues and we were welcome at his clinic any time, even just for a chat and a few laughs to lighten the day. The Veterinary profession is one with many rewards but also with immense challenges, most of which the public will never know or understand. Through it all Dr. Wambeam conducted himself with grace, with the welfare of animals, whether a longtime patient or a stray off the street, being his number one concern. Our community has lost a great and gentle warrior. Thank you for your service, Dr. Wambeam.
Thank you so very much for your words. This means a lot to all of us -- we were very proud of our dad, and of all he did for the animals and people of Laramie.
Dr.Wambeam was one SUPER person I had the honor of working with him when I worked for the University of Wyoming at the Research Center! He always was Will to share his knowledge with me on various things !He will be truly missed!
Cindy, I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad. He took such great care of our pets and of us when the time came for our pets to cross the rainbow bridge. I hope wonderful family memories help heal everyone’s hearts. Please know that he was a treasure to all of his patients and their families.
Thank you Lorri.
Thanks for helping my pets.
Dr. Wambeam was our vet until he retired. He was a kind man and we were so happy to take our kitties to him. .Thank you, Dr. for encouraging others to donate to Laramie Animal Welfare Society. Yours was a live well spent and the community of Laramie thanks you.<3
There is a special place in heaven for those filled with so much compassion, they had enough to share and care for the suffering, the defenceless, and those who can never give thanks. May he be remembered well and long, and in tribute, may all those he blessed see his love spread in eternal ripples. So sorry for the pain of the loss.
Dr. Wambeam was kind and generous. He was an earnest educator and an animal shelter supporter. He will be greatly missed by his community...a community that is better and more compassionate for having had him in our midst.