Monte J. McKinley, age 70, of Cheyenne WY, and formerly of Sidney, NE, passed away surrounded by family at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne on Sunday, September 14, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Graveside Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney, NE. In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to The Arbor Day Foundation or an animal rescue of your choosing.

Friends may stop by the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 1-6 P.M. to leave their condolences for the family. Family will be present from 4-6 P.M.

You may view Monte’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Monte’s care and funeral arrangements.

Monte was born in Ogallala, NE, on December 31st, 1954. He spent his early years in Sidney, NE. “The Heartland” was deep in his soul, and he had planned to return there. In 1972, Monte and his family moved to Cheyenne, WY, where he graduated from high school. Shortly after graduation, he was hired by the Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked for many years as an conductor until his retirement in 2015. “Train rider out.”

A man with many passions, Monte had countless pastimes. He was an avid Husker and LSU football fan. Monte loved music of all kinds and was the life of the party with his love for singing and dancing. He loved to travel by car or motorcycle. If traveling by car, you can bet that he had his golf clubs in the back, ready to visit as many golf courses as he could fit into his itinerary.

Monte could almost always be found outdoors—whether working on projects around his property or enjoying his favorite hobbies. He especially loved sharing the joys of boating, fishing, and camping with his family. He spent many crisp autumn days pheasant hunting - a tradition passed down to him from his father, and one he shared alongside many four-legged best friends over the years. His pets held a special place in his life, especially Cole and Bean, who were cherished members of his family.

Monte was deeply treasured by those who loved him, and for many, he was a source of wisdom and a listening ear. Monte was an enthusiastic storyteller whose larger-than-life presence and boundless energy filled every room. During his battle with cancer, when asked if he was afraid to die, he said, “No. I’ve lived a good life, and I’ve had a lot of fun.” Monte was a man who stayed busy and made every moment count. After all, every great storyteller knows that the best stories are not made by sitting around.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Helen (Hennig) McKinley, several aunts and uncles, the love of his life, Sherri Moore, and his beloved pets Joe, Buddy, Jake, Duke, Cole, and Bean.

Those who will continue to cherish Monte’s memory include his daughters and sons-in-law, Farah and Brandon Borton of Douglas, WY, and Kaley McKinley and Mike Fruit of Central City, NE; his beloved grandchildren, Brennen Martin, Aspen, Destrie, and Cooper Borton, and Kindrey, Kessley, Kannon, and Kambri Fruit; as well as many cousins and lifelong friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Greg Elsasser, Jim Thompson, and Howard and Vicki McCutcheon for their steadfast friendship and helping hands.