Pat J Vialpando

Pat Vialpando (88) passed away in Cheyenne on January 7, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 17, 1936, in Chama, CO to Felix and Josephine Vialpando. Pat married Vangie Bernal (1959-1961). In May of 1996, he married Jo Ann M. Coppedge.

Pat was raised in Laramie, WY. He worked at Western Union for 17 years. After time in the Army, he became General Manager for Two Bar Bowl in Cheyenne. After retiring, he continued working part time with the State for 15 years.

Pat was proceeded in death by his parents and his brothers, Amos and Jake. He is survived by Jo Ann Vialpando, his wife of 30 years; brother, Jimmy; sister, JoAnn Weicham; daughter, Vickie Wheatlake Kelly; stepdaughters, Shawna Zautcke, Jennifer Bowman, and Stacie Peck. He is loved by his grandchildren, Patrick and Burton Wheatlake; and his step-grandchildren, Ann Marie Lopez, Sara Spiker, Carson Peck, Josh Edgar, Franklin and Wyatt Zautcke, and Alexis Robbins, Autumn, Dalton Williams, Grace Bowman, and one great-grand child and seven step-great-grandchildren. 

Pat served on the Board of Cheyenne Federal Credit Union and the Board of First Interstate Bank for over ten years. Pat was extremely active and loved to play golf, fish and run. Pat’s passion for helping others was quite evident in his community service, but his tireless and impassioned devotion, was to the friends and families of Bill W.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring.

The following is a letter from Pat's step-granddaughter, AnnMarie Lopez ...

Today my heart is so sad.

Some people have dads when they are born, but I had the privilege of having my PaPaPat. He was my number 1 supporter: he went to every school event, every swim meet, you name it. 

He taught me to ride a bike, he attempted to teach me to drive and many life lessons. My PaPa always made sure to take me on his daily adventures. From cashews to spoiling me with endless treats- my grandpa made sure I knew he loved me. 

I never would have become a swimmer if it weren’t for him throwing me into a pool when I was 10 on vacation and almost drowning. I certainly would never have found my talent in swimming.

After that, we would race in the pool and I would slowly start to become his competitor. And you bet he was my loudest cheerleader, even if he wasn’t sure what he was yelling. I remember he would mail or save me my swim results that were in the newspaper. 

When we relocated to TX, you bet he flew out to support my graduation. 

When I graduated college during COVID, he attended my virtual graduation. He was FaceTiming for my wedding and my pregnancy announcement. He was always there, always. 

Now, he was a lot of things-often….a bit too sassy, but man he was so loved and I know how much he loved me. 

I’m so grateful to know he had a relationship with Jesus and I can’t wait to reunite with him again. I bet the golf courses are gorgeous in Heaven. 

I’m so thankful for the blessing of my grandfather, because he was so much more to me.