Erma (Barts) Denzin passed away gracefully on August 19, 2023 at Hospice of Laramie surrounded by her family. She lived her 95 years with strength, compassion and an unwavering love for her family and friends.
Born October 19, 1927 in The Town of Hull, Marathon County, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Armin and Emma Barts. She attended grade school and graduated from high school in Colby, Wisconsin in 1945. She lived with her parents on a farm until her marriage to Everett Denzin on February 20, 1946. She was baptized, confirmed and married in the same Lutheran church.
After they were married, Erma and Everett lived in the small town of Milan, Wisconsin where he hauled milk from the local farmers to the Kraft Cheese Company. While there they welcomed their first two children, Bonnie and Jane. They moved from Milan to Denver, Colorado in 1952 where they owned and operated a motel. They welcomed their third child, Randy, to the family while living in Denver.
In 1955, they moved to Laramie, Wyoming where she worked at the University of Wyoming bookstore from 1969 until her retirement in 1986. Erma and Everett (“Double E”) spent their retirement camping and fishing (primarily at Curt Gowdy State Park), spoiling their grandchildren, enjoying the RV-life with fellow Good Sam’ers and ultimately becoming snowbirds. They thoroughly enjoyed splitting time between Laramie and Apache Junction, Arizona.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter, Jane.
She is survived by her children and their families, Bonnie (Ken) Braisted and Randy (Judith) Denzin.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Greenhill Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Zion Lutheran Church, Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, and/or Hospice of Laramie.
25 Comments To "Erma (Barts) Denzin"
#1 Comment By Anonymous On August 21, 2023 @ 12:29 pm
A wonderful neighbor family for many years. Erma was part of my growing up. Lisa
#2 Comment By Kody Braisted On August 22, 2023 @ 7:36 am
Thanks Lisa. I could say the same for your family – a constant in my childhood. – Kody
#3 Comment By Wendy Frank On August 21, 2023 @ 11:23 pm
I am sorry for your loss. Emma was like family to me. Love her spunk and energy.
#4 Comment By Anonymous On August 22, 2023 @ 8:00 am
Sounds like an absolutely wonderful person, and a great life. Sending love, and peace to her the family. Laura Snodgrass and Kacey Corbett
#5 Comment By Rhett and Denise Ivey On August 22, 2023 @ 1:27 pm
Erma and Everett, you can’t mention one without the other. They were a team and the best neighbors we could have had as we lived next door. It was always a pleasure to visit Everett and Erma when the relocated to Spring Winds and she would always ask how our son Travis was doing in Arizona. Arizona held a special place in Erma’s heart. What a celebration it must have been when she and Everett were reunited with daughter Jane on the 19th. Both she and Everett held a special place in our hearts. Our prayers are with you Bonnie, Ken, Randy and Judith and those who were touched by the kindness they showed to everyone that crossed paths. Blessings, Rhett and Denise.
#6 Comment By Terri Hull Jones On August 22, 2023 @ 3:38 pm
Bonnie and Randy, I am so very sorry to learn of your mother’s passing, she was a grand lady. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
#7 Comment By Dicksie May On August 22, 2023 @ 4:10 pm
I always thought Erma and her husband too were very special people. My condolences to the family!
#8 Comment By Vicki Heinrich On August 22, 2023 @ 7:17 pm
Erma was a wonderful person. Always a smile on her face and there for all of us! She will be missed dearly by her family. I’m so glad that she was a part of my life growing up. Camping with her, Ev and our families was just the Best Ever. Hugs to my Aunt, Uncle and my cousins.
#9 Comment By Debbie Pickett On August 22, 2023 @ 8:40 pm
Bonnie and Kenny and family, So very sorry for your loss. I can’t remember when I met your folks, but I know it was while I was working at First Interstate Bank. Loved waiting on the two of them. As Rhett said, you can’t talk about one without the other. Your folks were always so cute together. Very kind and generous. They are now together again. Cherish your memories. Sending hugs and prayers.
#10 Comment By Beth Hulett Fly On August 23, 2023 @ 10:55 am
Bonnie and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a classy lady and all her beautiful qualities carry on in you. We get one Mom and one Dad and it hurts to lose them. Cherish those precious memories. May the angels watch over her.
#11 Comment By Ron and Danna Rigg On August 24, 2023 @ 7:54 am
Our condolences to the families of Denzin and Braisted.
She was an amazing lady!
#12 Comment By Blake Newman On August 24, 2023 @ 11:26 am
Randy,
Sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She was a very special lady. Her personality was always so positive and bubbly… always smiling. Both she and your Dad hold special places in my thoughts and memories.
#13 Comment By Pam Clark Moulton and Randy Moulton On August 24, 2023 @ 1:17 pm
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a sweet lady. Condolences 🙏.
#14 Comment By Priscilla Foster On August 24, 2023 @ 1:44 pm
Bonnie and Randy I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Your mother was truly a beautiful person and very special. I loved visiting with her. It was always very special.
#15 Comment By Mary Fick Monteith On August 24, 2023 @ 2:29 pm
Bonnie and family, You were blessed to have your mother in your life for so many years. It was not always an easy life, but with the love and help of family, she experienced near a century here on Earth. May she rest in peace and her star shine down on you from heaven.
#16 Comment By Bill & Elaine McGraw On August 24, 2023 @ 5:03 pm
Bonnie & family, we were truly sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, she was a very lovely person! How blessed to live on like she did. Healing prayers for your family & friends 🙏 ❤️
#17 Comment By Debbie Pickett On August 24, 2023 @ 6:55 pm
Bonnie, Kenny and family, So very sorry for your loss. Your mom and dad were always so cute together. As Rhett said, you think of one and automatically think of both. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
#18 Comment By Glenda Mahaffey On August 24, 2023 @ 7:38 pm
Bonnie and Randy, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a beautiful lady inside as well as out. Whenever I use to come over to your house she always had a smile on her face. She was a lovely lady who will be missed by all who knew her. Hugs!
#19 Comment By Anonymous On August 24, 2023 @ 8:16 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Erma’s passing. I thought your parents were wonderful people! They had many connections to my family over the course of many years. Nancy (Trabing) Mickelson
#20 Comment By Donna Mogensen Kennedy On August 24, 2023 @ 8:52 pm
I am sorry for your loss. I went to see her Thursday at Springwind and she had been moved.
#21 Comment By Carol (Hartman) Schwartz On August 25, 2023 @ 9:10 am
Erma was a wonderful lady. We grew up in the Zion Lutheran church community with all of the Denzin children. She and Everett were kind, caring individuals. I was greeted by her at Springwind whenever she saw me there visiting my mother. My sympathy to your family for the loss of this gracious lady.
#22 Comment By Randy Shipman On August 27, 2023 @ 11:10 am
Family of Denzin,
I had many great visits with Erma when traveling between Colorado and Wyoming as well as Sunday breakfasts after church services with both your parents. Two very wonderful people.
#23 Comment By Anonymous On August 27, 2023 @ 7:21 pm
Bonnie, Gary and I were so sad to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her a very long time ago when Jane and I were friends. May God bless your family as you griever her passing. She was a great lady.
Linda and Gary Mogensen
#24 Comment By Cindy Pilnacek (Bigelow) Lindley On August 29, 2023 @ 9:50 am
Randy & Bonnie – I am so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. She was a true sweetheart and had such a great sense of humor. I will always remember how she had a smile and kind word for everyone. 95 years is a long, and I am sure, very full life. What joy she and Everett must be experiencing being reunited. May your treasured memories give you comfort during the months ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
#25 Comment By Bill and Elaine McGraw On September 2, 2023 @ 12:46 pm
So sorry for your loss. Erma and Everett were of the best people one could know. Our condolences and prayers to you and your family. Bill and Elaine McGraw