Cody Ray McFarland, age 43, passed away on May 11, 2025, at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by loved ones.

Cody was born on June 7, 1981, in Spearfish, South Dakota, to George McFarland of Pierre, SD, and Carol Schuldies Kirk of Sturgis, SD. The majority of his childhood was spent in Belle Fourche, SD where he quickly found a love of the outdoors, spending his free time hunting and fishing. Cody was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at St. James Lutheran Church in South Dakota. He graduated with the Class of 2000 from Newell High School, where his love of wrestling took root and would become a lifelong passion. After graduation, he worked for Lawler Flooring before attending Huron University on a wrestling scholarship.

Cody’s professional journey led him down many paths, but he ultimately found his calling as a Wildland Firefighter with the United States Forest Service, and took great pride teaching at the Great Basin Engine Academy for ten years and as an engine captain, mentoring his crews. He served on the volunteer fire department and ambulance in both Sturgis South Dakota and Kemmerer Wyoming. He cherished the camaraderie and brotherhood of the fire service and considered his fellow firefighters and medics part of his extended family.

Cody married the love of his life, Courtney Hunt, on April 14, 2012, in Sturgis. The couple made their home in Kemmerer, Wyoming, where they raised their family with love, laughter, and a deep sense of community. In Kemmerer, he and his family attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Cody was deeply involved in his daughters’ lives—coaching their sports teams, chaperoning school trips, and cheering them on from the sidelines. He was also a dedicated ambassador for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation and an advocate for the conservation of public lands. Wrestling remained a central part of Cody’s life, as he continued to coach, referee, and mentor young athletes in both Sturgis and Kemmerer whenever he could.

Cody is survived by his beloved wife of 13 years, Courtney McFarland of Kemmerer, WY; his son, Masen Noor of Box Elder, SD; and his daughters, Claire (11) and Josey (9) McFarland of Kemmerer, WY. He is also survived by his father, George (Tracy) McFarland of Pierre, SD; his mother, Carol Kirk of Sturgis, SD; his brother, Jason McFarland, and sister-in-law, Nicole McFarland of Newcastle, WY; his nephew, Jory McFarland of Casper, WY; his niece, Hunter McFarland of Newcastle, WY; his grandmother Leona McFarland of Hoover, SD; mother-in-law, Lisa Hackerott; and in-laws, Deidra, Blake, and Stuart.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard Schuldies and Jim McFarland, and his father-in-law, Brian Hackerott.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am MST on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 1767 Dell Rio Dr in Kemmerer, WY to honor Cody’s memory and the impact he made on so many.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the future education of his daughters, Claire and Josey. Contributions may be directed toward their college fund to help carry forward Cody’s legacy of love, dedication, and service. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Courtney McFarland 1676 Nations Dr. Kemmerer, WY 83101 or Venmo @Courtney-McFarland-9

The family wishes to thank Cody's extended family, friends, and colleagues for their love and support throughout his lifetime. Your calls and visits have been much appreciated. A special thanks to all who helped organize events and services to celebrate Cody and honor him. We are incredibly grateful for all the kindness and generosity you have shown our family during this time.