Oilman Dan Koldenhoven, 41, died suddenly at his Wyoming home on October 8, after returning from a two-week shift on a rig in Texas. His wife, Misty Koldenhoven, discovered him outside their house the next morning, with the cause of death under review by the medical examiner. In tribute, she commissioned a 3D-printed replica of the oil rig he helped build in Oklahoma, donated by Pine Bluffs-based studio BonTer Creative.
Koldenhoven, a tool pusher for Cactus Drilling Company, managed operations that required “mathematical equations, a little bit of physics and chemistry,” according to his wife. He began his career in 2012 at Unit Drilling Company, advancing rapidly after being referred by his brother. His schedule involved 14-day shifts on rigs across multiple states, followed by 12-day breaks with his family. Misty Koldenhoven described him as a “hard worker” and “amazing dad,” emphasizing his hands-on parenting and commitment to his crew, whom he treated like family. “He took a lot of pride in taking care of his guys,” she said.
Sudden Death and Memorial Tribute
The family had planned weekend activities, including dirt-bike riding and a football game, before he was found outside their residence the following morning. Misty Koldenhoven called the loss “surreal,” noting that she had anticipated a “catastrophic” accident but not a sudden medical emergency. The 3D-printed rig replica, created by BonTer Creative, became a focal point of his memorial, reflecting his “love for his rig” and the “time, energy, and heart” he poured into his work.
A Legacy in Metal and Plastic
The replica of Koldenhoven’s Oklahoma-based rig, which he helped construct from the ground up, was intended to honor his career and the “second family” he built among his crew. Misty Koldenhoven highlighted his role in training workers and ensuring their well-being, a trait that drew others to join his team. “A lot of people wanted to work on his crew specifically,” she said. The model, featuring intricate details of the rig’s structure, was donated by BonTer Creative, a studio based in Pine Bluffs. Koldenhoven’s wife and children, aged 9 and 6, continue to process their grief as they navigate life without him.
The medical examiner’s final report on Koldenhoven’s cause of death remains pending, with no further details disclosed. His story, as recounted by his wife, underscores the personal sacrifices of energy sector workers, whose lives often balance demanding schedules with deep familial and professional commitments.
