George Brautigam

George Brautigam passed away on Jan. 13, 2008, at McKee Hospice Center in Loveland following complications from hip surgery at the age of 91. George was born in McCook, Neb., on Aug. 18, 1916. He was one of 10 children born to George Brautigam Sr. and Katie Brungardt Brautigam. The family moved to Brush in 1922. George attended schools in Brush and graduated from Brush High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 during World War II and achieved the rank of Machinist Mate Class. He was stationed aboard the heavy cruiser USS Pensacola. The ship was engaged in 13 naval battles in the South Pacific including Midway, Solomon Islands, and Coral Sea. The ship was torpedoed in the battle at Solomon Islands and limped into Pearl Harbor for repair. Four months later, the ship was torpedoed again in a battle at Savo Island, killing 136 crew members while defending the aircraft carriers Hornet and Yorktown. The ship and crew were credited with shooting down 12 enemy aircraft, sinking two Japanese ships and were awarded 13 battle stars. He married Helen Dees in Lakewood on Feb. 15, 1944. They lived in Fort Collins until moving to Loveland in 1995. George was employed by Ideal Cement Company for 30 years, retiring in 1980. George enjoyed his retirement time traveling, fishing, hunting, wood carving, working around the house and yard and building projects for family and friends. He is survived by wife, Helen; son, Wayne and wife, Myrna of Cheyenne, formerly of Fort Collins; two grandsons, Clint and wife, Becky of Fort Collins, and Clay of Cheyenne; two great grandchildren, Vincent and Harlie of Fort Collins; brother, Adam of Pueblo West; as well as many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and seven brothers. George was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 804, Disabled American Veterans, USS Pensacola Association and the American Legion. A celebration of life, with military honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Larimer County or a charity of choice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.