Jeff Ailts, age 59, of Gillette, Wyo., died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Jared Tucher officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Pisgah.  Visitation will be held at 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Gillette Memorial chapel. There will also be visitation at the church one hour prior to the services.
Jeffrey Lynn Ailts was born on Nov. 20, 1954 to Bernard and Sarah Ailts in Veblen. He graduated in 1973 from Canby High School in Canby, Minn.  After high school graduation, he attended Canby Area Vocational and Technical Institute where he earned his welding certification.
He worked in Casper, Wyo. as a welder, on a dairy farm in Whitewood with his brother-in-law, on a farm in Woonsocket and in the coal mines in Gillette, Wyo. When he was no longer able to work due to his cancer he took up gardening, which he enjoyed very much.
On May 28, 1983, Jeffrey married the love of his life, Holly Sue Zwingelberg. They were blessed with four children, Jessica Lynne, Benjamin Jeffrey, Joshua Johnny and Karissa Sue. One of his greatest joys was being “Pa” to Johnny and Olivia.
Jeff was always a man willing to help others. He was always full of smiles, laughter, jokes and pranks.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Holly; children, Jessica (Brandon), Benjamin (Dixie) and Karissa; two grandchildren; his mother, Sarah; a sister, Phlayne; a brother, Brian (Shelley); his father- and mother-in-law, John and Audrey; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua; father, Bernard; his grandparents, uncles, aunts and a nephew.
Memorials and condolences may be sent in Jeffrey’s name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the Web site at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.