George Nelson Reitenbaugh was born on Oct. 9th 1931 at the old Weld County Hospital in Greeley, Colorado/Island Grove Park. He lived East of LaSalle Colorado on a farm with his mother Goldie May Worthey, and his two sisters Darlene and Ginger. At 6 years old, the family moved back to Greeley where George attended grade school, Meeker Middle School and Greeley High School. He was a football player and President of the Student Body and graduated high school in 1949.
George then attended 3 years at Colorado State College of Education. (now known as UNC) Prior to completing his degree in college, George enlisted into the United States Navy, during the Korean War Conflict. He served on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 Aircraft Carrier from 1951 to 1954 as a Quarter Master to include duties as a Celestial Navigator. He earned the Korean Service Medal (4 stars), United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal extended and National Defense Service Medal. After his service in the United States Navy, George with the encouragement from his soon to be wife, went back to College and earned his Bachelor's degree in Education in 1958.
George and Lola June Canning were married at the Methodist Church Chapel in Greeley on June 2nd, 1957. George began his teaching career from 1958 to 1963 at both New Raymer and Akron High Schools in northeast Colorado. In the summer of 1963 George and Lola moved to Denver, where he began teaching for Englewood School District. George was employed as a Physical Education (PE) and Math Teacher at Flood Junior High School. George was passionate about Coaching the Wrestling Team named The Panthers.
George retired from teaching in 1979, and soon began a second career as a residential electrician. George and Lola built a home together in Douglas County, Colorado where the family has lived now for fifty years. In 2018 Dad was diagnosed with dementia and his last residence was at Legacy Village in Castle Pines, Colorado.
George is survived by his wife Lola, Son Paul Reitenbaugh and his wife Tarra Bolinger, Daughter Lisa Flugstad and Son Joseph Reitenbaugh. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Grandchildren are> Bekah Kuehn, Sarah Moseley, Tyler Reitenbaugh, Melissa Flugstad, Elizabeth Reitenbaugh Michael Flugstad and Brianna Reitenbaugh. He is also survived by his only niece and nephew, Brenda Ragan and Jerry Ragan. George Reitenbaugh was an intelligent, hardworking, loving Family Man who is dearly missed, and will always be remembered in our hearts.