Gerd Petzold

Gerd H. Petzold, 71, of Thermopolis, Wyo., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at his home, following a two-year battle with multiple medical problems.

Gerd was born July 15, 1944, in Danzig, then Germany. As a six-month old baby, his family had to flee to West Germany. He lived with his mother's sister, mostly in Frankfurt. His father died in a Russian POW camp when Gerd was just one-year-old.

After high school he worked as a travel agent, booking touring entertainers. He came to the U.S. in 1977 and became a citizen in 2005.

His love of traveling the U.S. led him to become a tour bus driver and guide for German tourists where he could show them the beauty of the American West. Many of his tours took him to Yellowstone, returning to California through Thermopolis, where he eventually retired.

Gerd is survived and mourned by his wife of 23 years, Barbara; his sister, Renate; niece Christina and her partner Eric; his grandnephew James; sister-in-law Jo-Ann (Harvey) Schwartz and sons of Florida; and many cousins and friends in Thermopolis, Germany, California and throughout the USA.

As per his request there will be no formal services. A private family services will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.