His Celebration of Life will be November 13, 2026, at 10:30 am at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Cliff Miller officiating. Viewing will be at 9:30 am until service time. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com for the family.
George was born July 18, 1951, in Denver, Colorado to Audrey Harden and Rudolph (Rudy) Stenzel. In 1960 at the age of 10, he attended one of the first Sped Ed schools in the United States established in Brush, Colorado. Although George had no formal education he had a wealth of knowledge. He could see a Classic vehicle and tell you the year, make and model without missing a beat. He experienced a deep love for “critters” preferably dogs (Rosie and Squirt), cattle, and horses. He would joke about getting on his horse and round up his cattle out on the Facilities lawn. Chuckle and say, “I’m just kidding.”
George had many jobs such as custodial work, restaurant kitchen help, Weld County State employee and his favorite was being a “Cow Wrangler” at the Brush Colorado and Scottsbluff Nebraska Sale Barns.
When he was no longer able to live independently, George lived in the Assisted Living and Nursing Facility to get the nursing care needed. George was a “Social Butterfly,” and it didn’t take him long to know the name and a little information about all staff members. He enjoyed sitting outside watching the traffic or the bird’s flitter around and always had a hello or good-bye to anyone coming or going.
Enjoying the sunshine was also a favorite time listening to his country music. Johnny Cash was his favorite, and he often commented maybe he would see him in Heaven. George kept busy with his “action movies” and daily dose of the “Price is Right.” He always let us know when he “won the big deal of the day” which was usually a fancy car. He enjoyed his outing for shopping at Wal-Mart, family events, birthdays and holidays. Any gathering at the Facility was fun and he enjoyed it when family could attend even more. His phone kept him in touch with family throughout the day to discuss any events, his meals and the “chicken, chicken, chicken” serving of the day.
Bedtime prayer was the most important call of his day.
George is survived by his 3 sisters: Linda Higgins, Mary (Steve) Vogel, both of Alliance and Gerri Harden of Decatur, Texas. His uncle Delbert (Carol) of Gering, aunt Margaret Harden of Scottsbluff, along with a myriad of cousins 1st, 2nd, and 3rd as well as nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews across Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana and Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grand and great grandparents, numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and his younger brother Donald E Hellyer.
George was indeed one of a kind. A true diamond in the rough. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
