Wilma June Durflinger, 83, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Platte County Legacy Home, in Wheatland.
June was born on Friday, Jan. 3, 1936 in Oxford, Neb., the daughter of Floyd and Ruth (Jones) Tower. She was reared and educated in Edison, Neb. where she graduated high school. June worked very hard her whole life. Prior to college, she owned and operated a Texaco gas station, she drove a semi-truck/trailer, worked in health care, and had many other jobs. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in the early 80’s for social work at Kearney State College, in Kearney, Neb. Then went on to University of Kansas to earn her Master’s degree in social work and worked in the field for 30 years. During her time in Ulysses, Kan., she worked for Compass Area Mental Health as a counselor and provided social work services for the surrounding communities. In addition, she was one of only a few certified drug and alcohol counselors and evaluators for the Department of Transportation in Kansas.
“Purple June” or “Baby June” as she was lovingly referred to, loved animals especially cats, dogs and horses. She was always in the horse world as a rider and drove a team of registered POA ponies. She loved old western movies and dancing especially ballroom and swing. Music was very important in her life as she was an avid trumpet player. She even requested to have her trumpet to “start a band” at the nursing home.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Durflinger.
June is survived by her daughters, Kathryn Lindau of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Lauren (Mike) Nordeen of Wheatland; half-brothers, Mike Tower and Tim Tower; grandchildren, Savannah Lindau of Scottsdale, Megan (Leo) Mendoza of Wheatland, and Hilary Nordeen (Tyler Warford) Nordeen of Wheatland; and four great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.
Memorials may be made to the Platte County Legacy Home, 100 Nineteenth Street, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com
