George Wellman

George Andrew Wellman, 95, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024, in American Fork, Utah. George was born on April 12, 1928, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Harold Clark and Alice Jane Nixon Wellman.

George was the oldest of four boys. He loved his brothers and felt a responsibility to look out for them. He was closest in age to his brother, Harold. George talked a lot about the brotherly fights they got into. George had many stories of the adventures he and his brothers had. His brother, Walter was 10 years younger and followed George everywhere he went.

George lived in the back of his father’s barbershop for the first several years of his life. During the Depression, the family relocated to Wheatridge, Colorado. There, George worked on the family farm. He milked several cows every morning before school. He was proud to be a member of his Dad’s real estate baseball team.

At Wheatridge High School George became a skilled boxer. George might have been short, but he was a force to be reckoned with. One of George’s fondest memories is the high school band that he and his friends, “Nic” and Bob formed. George played the vibraphone, Nic played the clarinet, and Bob played the drums. One day his band played in the school auditorium. When told it was time to stop playing, George and his friends moved the party outside and continued to “swing out” for hours. He could still sing "Hey Bob a Re Bob" even in his 90s.

George married the sister of his high school best friend, Gerald. George and Velma Vossenkemper were married on July 14, 1950. They were blessed with two wonderful children: Gayelynn and Chris. George and Velma raised their children to be people of great moral character. George was extremely proud of every one of his children’s accomplishments.

George spent his career in the banking industry. As an executive, he helped many people and other banking institutions. His expertise and guidance were especially helpful during the economic downturn in the 1980s.

George became a master mason in 1960. He was a member of the El Jebel temple in Denver. He was also extremely proud of this accomplishment.

In his later years, George was always on the go. He bought an RV after the passing of his wife and traveled the entire United States and Canada. If you named a place, George had been there. When he wore out the first RV, he bought a second one. After his RV travels concluded, George settled in McAllen, Texas. There he made many friends. He loved his time at Bible study and spending Friday nights with his year-round friends and “winter Texan” friends. He walked daily, and you couldn’t keep him off the golf course.

As George’s health declined, there was never a word of complaint. He took each new day in stride and was happy and positive even in his final days.  

George is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Velma; his daughter, Gayelynn; and his brothers, Harold, Walter, and James.

George is survived by his son, Chris; his niece, Michelle Wellman Moore (Mike); and nephews, Mike Wellman (daughter, Brittney), Gary Vossenkemper, and Rob Wellman (Tiffany).

George will be interred at Crown Hill Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. The family wishes to express gratitude to Renew Hospice and all those who loved George.