John Joseph Gosar

Dr. John J. (Gooch) Gosar Dr. John J. (Gooch) Gosar - husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, friend, -, civil engineer, dentist, sausage maker, butcher, hunter, fisherman, gambler, and card player extraordinaire - cashed in his chips on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at his home in Green River. John was born April 1, 1929 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Joseph and Antonia Gosar; both immigrants from Yugoslavia. From the early age of 5, John and his siblings worked at the family business; The Lincoln Meat Market on Pilot Butte Avenue. It was at this business that they learned 'the art of meat processing' especially 'how to make many types of sausages - the most popular being garlic'. He attended school in Rock Springs, and graduated high school in 1947 - where he was active in football, basketball, track, and was president of his senior class. He was 'chosen to attend Boy's Nation in' : Washington D.C., and met President Harry S. Truman, who asked, "Does the wind still blow in Wyoming?" John then attended the University of Colorado and received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1952, after which he was drafted into the United States Army. He met his wife, the former Lela Maxine Gregory of Green River; while working for his brother Joe at the Green River Food and Locker Plant. They were married September 15, 1956 in Green River, He worked for Westvaco, (later called FMC Green River), for three years asa civil engineer. Next he decided to pursue a career in Dentistry. John completed his Pre-Dental coursework at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. During this time he also worked at Thiokol in Promontory, Utah as a civil engineer with the 'Minute .Man Missile' program. I Having been accepted by several Dental Schools, he chose Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon his graduation in 1963, he practiced in Cheyenne and Green River for many years. And while he provided for his family by working in people's mouths - he much. preferred practicing dentistry on fish, by removing hooks from their mouths. Soda Lake was his favorite fishing hole. He often said, "A bad day fishing - was better than a good day at work! " John is survived by his wife, Maxine Gosar; sons, Greg (Louise) Gosar of Manila, Utah; Wayne (Annie) Gosar of Bloomfield, New Mexico; Mike (Heidi) Gosar of Highland, Utah; and daughter Ylinine (Kip) Rollins of Lyman, Wyoming; and Beth Ice of Rock Springs, "Whom John and Maxine consider their daughter". Additionally, he is survived by 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. One sister, Mary Killian; two brothers, Tony (Bernie) Gosar and Jack (Betty) Gosar; and one sister-in-' law, Olga Gosar. He was preceded in death by: grandson, Daniel Gosar; his parents; brother Joe, sister Angela, and many friends. Cremation has taken place. John's family would like to thank the Health Care Professionals who helped him stay healthy for 85 years, as well as the many people who have been so kind and caring. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon on Saturday, May 10,2014 at 12:00 (Noon) atthe LDS Church, 1000 W. 4th N. in Green River. In lieu of flowers, please take someone fishing! . A family celebration of John's life will be held at Soda Lake in June.