George Morgenthaler

Dr. George W. Morgenthaler, most recently of Littleton, Colorado, Professor Emeritus in the College of Engineering at University of Colorado, died on 4 September 2014 at the age of 87 years due to natural causes. George was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 16th, 1926, to George W. Morgenthaler Sr. and Mildred Oehler Morgenthaler, and was older brother to Robert C. Morgenthaler, all of whom preceded George in death. He was married to his high-school sweetheart Luella Hetzke Morgenthaler on June 18th, 1949.

George was a life-long learner and scholar. He held degrees from Concordia College, the University of Chicago, the University of Denver, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, including three Master's degrees (mathematics, physics, and management science), and two Ph.D.s (mathematics and education).

From 1960 until 1985 he found great pleasure working for Martin Marietta Corporation. From 1960 to 1977 he worked in Littleton, Colorado in a variety of roles, including Director of Technical Operations, and Vice President for Research and Development. In 1977, he moved to Annapolis, Maryland where he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Baltimore Aerospace Division and Corporate Vice President of the Martin Marietta Aluminum Company before following his heart back to Colorado in 1986.

Moving to Boulder, Colorado, he accepted the position of Associate Dean of Research, became Chair of the Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department, and Director of the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program at University of Colorado. From 1990 until 1995, he served the College as Associate Dean for New Programs, and in August 1994 also became director of the BioServe Space Technologies Center before his subsequent retirement.

George was learned, yet happiest in coveralls over tattered jeans with tools in his hands and a cap on his head. For over 40 years, George took great pleasure owning and operating a 2,400-acre ranch and farm in Morgan County, Colorado. He had an inexhaustible supply of humorous stories and witty sayings which spiced all of his work and play.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Luella, four children—Mark (Bojana), David (Cynthie), Timothy (Robin), and Matthew (Tina), 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. George was a dedicated member of his Church and built upon his foundational faith. His intellect allowed him to see things beyond most people’s usual line of sight. His horizons were always much broader, deeper, and dazzling than ours, and he helped his sons and grandchildren to peer into the distance with hope and ambition for a better future. We celebrate his release from the bounds of this world and passing into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be on September 8th at Crist Mortuary from 4:00-8:00 PM (3395 Penrose Place, Boulder, CO 80301, 303-442-4411), who will be handling the funeral arrangements. A memorial service will be held at his church, Calvary Bible Church, at 3245 Kalmia Ave, Boulder, CO 80301 on Tuesday, September 9th at 2 pm, with reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Calvary Bible Church. He will be laid to rest at Green Mountain Memorial Park, 290 20th St, Boulder, CO 80302.