George Wheeler Obituary

George Wheeler, a Colorado West native, philanthropist, and business man passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026 in Grand Junction, according to his life partner, Cathy Chu.

George was an accountant who became instrumental in the development of several Grand Junction businesses and community organizations. He was also a curious adventurer who enjoyed seeing various continents of the world, as well as, exploring local trails with friends.

George Emerson Wheeler was born May 20, 1935 to George Harrison Wheeler and Garnet (Stewart) Wheeler in Cortez, Colorado. As a child, he lived in Mancos, Colorado, Farmington, New Mexico, and in the Delta area. After graduating from Delta High School in 1953, he worked three years full time for the Rio Grand Railroad and two years part time as a railroad agent-telegrapher providing vacation relief for agents in several small-town depots in Western Colorado.

His earnings financed his college education, and as a devoted son and only child, he generously purchased a house for his parents near Delta in the community of Austin where they had a grocery store. He had started working in the store when he was fourteen. He attended Mesa Junior College for two years, then transferred to the University of Denver Business School for three years earning a Master's degree. He passed the Certified Public Accountant exam and worked for a Denver CPA firm while going to school.

After three years working as a CPA, he returned to Grand Junction where he served as Treasurer of Dixson, Incorporated, a specialized auto parts manufacturer for nine years. He was part owner of the Grand Junction Credit Bureau for ten years and part owner and manager of the Nellie Bechtel Apartments for twenty-three years. At Nellie Bechtel, being present and helpful, he became a valued friend to many of the residents.

George used his business expertise to help start the Grand Junction Incubator Program and the Western Colorado Community Foundation. He was a long-term member of the Grand Junction Rotary Club, past board member and generous donor to The Salvation Army.

He had a passion for travel. With his friend, Dennis Lowery, he traveled to South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Chile, Argentina, Big Bend National Park and the Falkland Islands. With Bruce Dixson, he traveled to several historical train trips. He toured Turkey with a cousin and also to Ireland where they met some of his mother's relatives. He and Cathy joined a tour of China, as well.

In recent years, with the help of Carole Mortiz, he took great enjoyment in exploring the back roads of Colorado West, never seeing a dirt road that he didn't want to take.

George was extremely thankful for the forty-five years of support and friendship of his life partner, Cathy Chu. He became very attached to her various dogs over the years. He'll be missed by Cathy and his many friends including the Wednesday Lunch Group.

A Celebration of George's Life will be held on Friday, May 15 at 3 PM at The Salvation Army of Grand Junction. The address is 1235 N. 4th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army of Grand Junction.