Peter Lecholat

Peter (Pete) Lecholat, 73, of Sheridan, Wyoming, passed away peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by his family on October 27, 2024.

Peter was born in Salzburg, Austria on February 25, 1951. Sponsored by fellow Ukrainian Catholics and leaving war-torn Eastern Europe, he and his parents immigrated to the United States in 1952, settling in Lincoln, Nebraska. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1969, he graduated from the Police Academy, working for the Lincoln Police Department and Nebraska Highway Patrol. Peter met his loving wife Donna in the spring of 1973, and they were married on January 5, 1974. After five years with the LPD and NHP, he pursued a lifelong dream in the summer of 1976 by becoming a locomotive engineer with the Burlington Northern Railroad. Peter continued “Pulling Throttle” for a career that lasted 36 years until his retirement in August of 2012. He was well-respected by his peers, which led him to be elected to various leadership roles with his local Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen union, Division’s 622 (Alliance, NE) and 624 (Sheridan, WY). Despite the unpredictable hours and challenging working environment, he loved working in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming and Montana.

While growing up in eastern Nebraska, Peter’s passion for the outdoors—specifically fly-fishing, hunting, and bird watching—developed while he participated as a Boy Scout. After moving to Sheridan in 1983, he raised his family in and around the Big Horn Mountains, sharing his love of the outdoors with those closest to him. He loved watching his four children and later his grandchildren participate in various sporting events. He drove countless miles and hours escorting them to locations for basketball or soccer tournaments, both in and out of state. No matter the weather, he was a constant presence on the sideline.

After his retirement, Peter donated his time and talents to the Big Horn Audubon Society. Serving as a Board and active member, he was instrumental in helping advocate and grow awareness for wild birds and habitat. He often led bird outings at events like “Birding at The Brinton,” helping newcomers and experienced birders alike. His passion for bird watching, fly-fishing, and railfanning continue to this day with his kids and grandkids.

Peter is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna Rae (Uttecht) Lecholat of Sheridan, WY; four children Tony (Ashley Maude) of Sheridan WY, Christine Todd (Luke) of Ennis, MT; Martin (Denise Birkholz) of Missoula, MT; and Andrew (Holly DuHamel) of Driggs, ID; and seven grandchildren, Benjamin and Samuel Lecholat, Hannah and Tatum Todd, Avery and Xander Lecholat, and Hazel Lecholat; brother Wolfgang “Joe” Seewald (Charlotte Ische) of Lincoln, NE; and numerous nieces and nephews. Peter is preceded in death by his parents, Anton & Rosa Lecholat.

Memorial Mass will be held in the spring of 2025. Any donations or memorials can be made in lieu of flowers by inquiring and donating to the Big Horn Audubon Society at bighornaudubon@gmail.com.

Peter’s family offers, in the spirit of gratitude and love, continued thanks for the outpouring of support from family and friends near and far. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him.

Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.