George H. Weitzel

George H. Weitzel left us peacefully on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 to go to heaven and be with his beloved wife, of 50 years, Betty Jean Erickson Weitzel and his much loved dog, Tinker May Bell. George, like his father Louis Weitzel who was 97 years young, was lucky enough to live independently at home until the end of their vibrant lives. George was born on June 15, 1920 in Waverly, Colorado. As a child George trapped animals along the Poudre River and was able to make more money in a week than most working men made in a month. This made it possible to buy his first dump truck at the age of fifteen. The Ford dealer told him that he had guts enough to sell it to him because George had guts enough to ask. George proudly served our great nation as a Master Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He was pleased to cross the International Date Line numerous times and join the Bridge Club. George was an Aviation Machinist Mate, a great mechanic, and a rifle sharp shooter. He was revered by many of the pilots of WWII because he rode out on the wings of their planes and wished them well as they flew off into battle. He was commended for his "heroism and bravery" during the South Pacific battle for Guadalcanal. When George was honorably discharged in Vero Beach, Florida on October 10th, 1945, he became a reservist in Southgate, California. There he worked for General Motors. Every morning and evening the gate security guard turned his head as George drove through in his Ford. George and Jean met in high school and were married on June 11, 1943 in Kimball, Nebraska. They lovingly raised two sons, Marvin Lee, of Tucson, Arizona and Rickie Lynn of Fort Collins, Colorado. George eventually made his way back home to work side by side with his father and brother, Doug. Louis had the first dump truck in Larimer County which eventually led to the founding of Weitzel & Sons Excavating, Inc. Marvin decided to follow a career in Arts and Theater while George raised Rick on the job. George and Jean were able to travel to see many of Marvin's productions. When Rick married Nancy, George thought he was welcoming another lady into the family. He found out later that it was easy to tell her to get to hauling when their Southridge Greens project required a truck driver. George came to the office every day in retirement. When Sage, one of his loved dogs or "Goobers" came over to meet him each morning they had a teeth showing contest. Fangs out-did dentures every time! George and Rick loved working and playing together. Many Fourth of July's were enjoyed at Big Creek Lakes, where George caught the first big one. He provided for his family and brought home many trophy animals, including the smallest Paddlefish he ever caught. His mule deer is still widely envied. Fun was had at home and while traveling. One Christmas George and Rick couldn't be found. Their giggles gave their location, behind the couch, away. When traveling, he taught Misty, his only grandchild, that wild burros love cigarettes, and some security guards in Las Vegas would protect a ten year old while she pulled the slots. They wouldn't however let her play craps. So many hours were spent on the floor with a basket of money and some die, showing her the ropes. George loved to race cars and later in life enjoyed watching "that herd of plastic." George will forever be loved and missed by his family, "Goobers", friends and dear neighbors. He will be welcomed home by his parents, Louis and Katherine Becker Weitzel, a baby brother, sister, EllaDean Moore, but mostly by his wife and Tinker dog. George was an animal lover. He fed and watered his birds and squirrels daily. In lieu of flowers, please buy a bag of seed and a water bowl and continue his tradition or make a donation to Animal House Rescue on West Vine Drive in Fort Collins or Pathways Hospice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. Viewing will be 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Graveside Services with Military Honors are Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Grandview Cemetery. Please join George's family and friends after the service at Weitzel & Sons Excavating, Inc., located at 225 South Taft Hill Road for a chance to swap some tales, have a bite and enjoy each other's company.