George Kriesel

2002 - 2025

George Andrew Kriesel

2002 ~ 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of George Andrew Kriesel, who died unexpectedly on September 23, 2025, at the age of 23. Born on August 1, 2002 at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, George was the youngest of four children.

George began his educational journey at The Challenger School and completed the Gifted and Talented program at Morningside Elementary in Salt Lake. He attended Olympus Junior High School, Prince of Peace Lutheran School, and graduated from Olympus High School in 2020. Most recently he was a student at Utah State University, majoring in Wildlife Ecology & Management.

Known for his high intellect and his sensitive, kind, and gentle spirit, George was also a truly gifted artist, channeling his imagination into detailed drawings and other creative projects. He cared so much about his friends and family and could always be counted on to listen and lend support. He was patient with kids and adults alike, with a unique ability to relate to people of all ages. He could find just the right gift for someone and was as excited to give it as the other person was to receive it.

The things George enjoyed most in life were his cats and dogs, spending time with his girlfriend and with family, camping, skiing, and skateboarding. From Beaver Mountain to Brighton to Woodward, he spent many days on the slopes and also in the Holladay skate park and local parking garages, perfecting his tricks. He went to Germany in the summer of 2023 and was looking forward to returning to Europe one day. Some of his happiest times were spent at Copper Mountain, where he was a summer camp counselor and made lasting friendships with his coworkers.

George is survived by his mother Meredith Kriesel, and his father John Kriesel (Carolyn Uhle), grandmothers Phyllis Upchurch, Pat Kriesel and grandfather Doug Kriesel, devoted girlfriend Ondraya Waters, siblings Connor Christensen (Caliesa), Hannah Kriesel Farley (Sean), and Davis Kriesel, nephews and niece, Cohen, Calaya, and Van and countless friends and extended family who will miss him beyond words.

The family would like to thank Utah State University for their care and support during this extremely difficult time, and for choosing to award George his BS Degree posthumously. A gathering of remembrance to honor George will be held at 3pm, Wednesday, October 1, 2025 followed by a memorial service at 4pm at Memorial Cottonwood-Holladay Mortuary, 4670 S Highland Drive, in Holladay, UT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Utah in his name.