Helmut "Tony" Shucraft

Helmut Anton (Tony) Shucraft was born on June 13th to Marianna Wolf in Nuremberg, Germany. His mother, along with his grandparents, Josef and Josefine Wolf, went through World War II. When the war ended, his mother was 14 years old. After the war ended, his mother married his father, Claude Nelson Shucraft, an American soldier. The family moved to Appling, Georgia, in 1956. Tony would share stories of his life with his grandparents in Georgia. They were dirt poor but didn’t know the difference. Tony played in the woods and went to the proverbial Little Brown Church in the Vale. Tony could count his toys on one hand and had only one pair of shoes, which he could wear only to church and school. While living in Georgia, his sisters Sonya, Elizabeth, Rose, and brother Erny were born.

In 1963, the family moved back to Germany. In 1966, the family then moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. At that time, Tony became a hippie, left home, got a job, and rented his own place. Throughout the next five years, he lived on and off the streets. In Tony’s own words, in 1971 he went all over the county and did too many drugs, which led to his imprisonment. After being released, he chose to move to Casper, Wyoming, to work for a painter. Throughout the next 10 years, Tony expressed how he was homeless and drunk most of the time until he settled in Newcastle, Wyoming, in 1983. He worked for Jerry Pena during the summers and went south for the winter.

On Christmas Eve 1983, Tony turned his life over to Jesus. Tony met and married his wife Pat on October 20, 1984. To this union, his sons were born. Anthony Andrew on July 9th, 1988, and Joseph Michael on December 24th, 1990.

Tony started his own painting and carpentry business. Tony also bought and sold real estate. Tony bought Camp in the Trees in 1994.

Tony retired in 2008 due to health issues.

Tony loved riding motorcycles and playing guitar, buying extra guitars, amongst other musical instruments, to give to children at Christmas.

Tony is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Pat, and his cherished son, Joe, who were the greatest joys of his life. He is also survived by his sister, Sonja (Ray) Fletcher; his brother, Erny (Linda) Shucraft; his brother-in-law, Dennis Bartsch; his sisters-in-law, Donna Gilkison and Andrea Thorson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Each of them will carry his memory in their hearts and treasure the love, laughter, and kindness he shared throughout his life.

Tony is preceded in death by his beloved son, Anthony Shucraft; his parents, Claude and Marianna Shucraft; his sisters, Elizabeth Budziszewski and Rose Shucraft; and his parents-in-law, Andrew and Irene Bartsch. Though he deeply felt the loss of those who went before him, their love remained a lasting part of his life, and their memories will forever be reunited.

Rest in peace, Tony, until we all meet again.