George Arthur Cofrank

George was born on March 8, 1932, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Arthur John Cofrank (born Attilio Pasquale Antonio Philippo Cofrancesco) and Mary Theresa McLeod Cofrank. From a young age, George learned the value of discipline and responsibility. Rather than allowing idle time, his father arranged for him to apprentice at a shoe repair shop, starting in Junior High School, where he earned one dollar a week and developed a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.

In 1947, George and his family relocated to San Diego, California. It was there, at Old Town Community Church, that he met Patricia E. “Pattie” Wheeler when they were teenagers. Despite early challenges in their young relationship, their bond endured, and they were married on April 9, 1954 at the Old San Diego Community Church in Old Town San Diego.

After graduating high school, George served his country with honor. He joined the National Guard, at the beginning of the Korean War, he was called to active duty. He served in the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division as a radio operator and truck driver in Korea from 1951 to 1952. George was honorably discharged from the Army as a Corporal in July 1952.

Following his military service, George began his career at Western Metal Supply Company in San Diego, where his leadership and organizational talents quickly became evident. His ambition and dedication led him to new opportunities, including a position with American Builders Supply in Louisville, Kentucky, where he established their Hardware Specialty department.

George’s career continued to flourish when he accepted a position in Salt Lake City, Utah, to build a company from the ground up. With no initial infrastructure, he successfully grew the business between 1968 and 1975, expanding into Idaho and Nevada. Later, he moved his family to Lakewood, Colorado, where he purchased and operated “George Cofrank and Associates,” serving as a Manufacturer’s Representative for hardware companies across a large territory stretching from Montana to Texas. Over his career, he logged more than two-million car-miles caring for customers.

A respected professional in his field, George earned his certification as an Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC) and served as Regional Director of the Door & Hardware Institute. George sold his business in 1995.

George and Patricia were devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served a mission together in the Washington DC South Mission from 2000 to 2001.

George and Pattie also enjoyed traveling together, including trips throughout Europe and time spent at sea, creating cherished memories along the way.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, George cherished time with his family. He created countless memories through cross-country vacations in travel trailers, campers, and RVs. He also enjoyed car shows, rodeos, and fishing.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia “Pattie” Cofrank; his children, Carol Lynn (Keith) Swensen, Connie Jean (Bill) Valantine, and Robert Arthur (Emelina) Cofrank; his grandchildren, Tyler (Laurie) Swensen, Steven (Jessica) Swensen, Rachel (Clint) Vought, Luke (Kate) Swensen, Andrew (Sarah) Swensen, Evelyn Lara, Lesley (Justin) Furguiel, and Alexie Cofrank; and his great-grandchildren, Liam Vought, Raleigh Swensen, Gemma Swensen, George Swensen, and Lucy Swensen.

George will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to God, unwavering dedication to his family, strong work ethic, genuine concern for others who were “down on their luck”, and ability to build a life filled with purpose, adventure, and love. His legacy lives on through the generations he has inspired.

A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6465 W Jewell Ave, Lakewood, CO 80232, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9:00 am with a brief visitation in the Relief Society Room beginning at 8:30AM. Funeral will be followed by a Committal Service at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236, Staging Area Red, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11:00 am.