Sam Wiseman

Sam Wiseman, 87, a brilliant mind, cherished father and grandfather, beloved rabbi and treasured member of the Casper community, passed away on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, at his home in Casper, Wyoming.

Sam was born in Manhattan, New York to Irma and Abe Wiseman on September 13th, 1938. He graduated from Columbia University in 1960 and Columbia Law School in 1963. He practiced law in New York until June of 1991, when he and his wife, Denise, left Manhattan to begin a new chapter on a ranch in Casper. Once settled in their idyllic home, Sam resurrected a defunct synagogue, Temple Beth-El, and built a vibrant Jewish community with weekly Sabbath Services. Sam became known simply as “Rabbi Sam” and he relished all High Holiday services, Torah study and teaching Sunday School. He loved teaching.

Sam was a person of extraordinary intellect, curiosity, and depth. He raised his children on a steady diet of Gilbert & Sullivan operettas and even named his many Chow Chows Ruddigore and Iolanthe. He had a passion for cooking and baking, and friends flocked from near and far for a seat at his table –his cooking was unparalleled. Sam loved mathematical equations and could solve complex ones in his head. He also loved the cinema and took his children to the movies weekly; Marx Brothers, James Bond, Woody Allen and Mel Brooks were among his favorites. Sam was very artistic and chose and designed many lovely things. Sam was self-taught in several languages and was as well-versed in literature as he was in Judaism – and the list goes on.

Beyond his many accomplishments and his important role in the community, Sam was deeply loved by all who knew him.

Sam is survived by his wife, Denise; son, Daniel, daughters Jessica (David) and Danielle; grandchildren, Hannah (Sam), Jacob, Diamond z”l, Asher, Irit, Elisheva and Juliette; and his two great-granddaughters, Carmel and Zelda.

Sam will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.