George John Hannes

George John Hannes, 90, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 1, 2016 at his home in Denver, CO from natural causes while surrounded by family members.

George was born on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1926 in Toledo, Ohio to George Jacob Hannes and Bertha Lumm Hannes.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother William.

George was very proud of his World War II service with the Army Air Corps.  He served as a tail gunner on a B-24.

On August 29, 1947 George married the love of his life, Jean Collins, with whom he remained united for the rest of his life.  The marriage produced three children, all of whom were proud to attend their father’s 1960 graduation from the University of Toledo.

The majority of George’s working life was spent at Johns Manville, where he was awarded numerous patents for his research in fiber glass insulations in the 50s and 60s.  He began his career with JM in Toledo and, in 1973, was transferred to Denver, where he primarily worked for overseas licensees of JM in locations such as Japan, Finland and the United Kingdom.  He retired from JM in 1982 and consulted for another 6 years.  He was truly a pioneer in the fiber glass industry.

George is survived by Jean, his wife of 68 years, three children – David Hannes (Jeanie), Linda Urbanski, and Cynthia Hannes, three grandchildren – Jennifer Wilhite, Jillian Urbanski, and Jayme Finkler (Chris), and five great grandchildren – Ethan Kowalski, Tyler Downing, Charlotte Wilhite, Cooper Wilhite, and Nolan Finkler.

George was always ready, willing and able to help his family, friends and neighbors.  He organized many great parties for neighbors and co-workers.  He loved his family, his God, his country, his many friends, his dogs, his pals at Littleton SERTOMA, hard work, photography, carpentry, and the view of Pinehurst golf course off the back deck of his home.  His advice and wise counsel will be greatly missed.  It was a wonderful life. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 P.M. at Monday, May 9, 2016 at St. James Presbyterian Church in Littleton, Colorado.

Memorial gifts may be made to St James Presbyterian Church, 3601 W. Belleview Littleton, CO 80123, or to the Arapahoe SERTOMA Foundation, P.O. Box 38, Englewood, CO 80151.

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