George John Appelhanz
Nov. 3, 1926 — June 13, 2011
MONTROSE — George John Appelhanz, age 84, passed away on June 13, 2011, at his home in Montrose. He was the oldest of nine children, two died shortly after birth. George was born at home on Ash Mesa and lived his entire life in Montrose. He attended Olathe schools and graduated from Olathe High School in 1945. George was a member of St. Joseph Traditional Catholic Church in Olathe. He was a lifetime member of the Montrose Elk’s Lodge and a member of the Denver Musicians Union and was president, for a time, of the Grand Junction Chapter. George was a jazz music enthusiast and played in various dance bands. He had a dance band of his own, “The Key Notes.”
George is survived by four brothers: Albert (Kathy), John E., Ed (Shirley), Tony (Marion) Appelhanz, all of Montrose; one sister, Eleanor Schlauger (Bob) of Grand Junction, Colo., as well as nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Unrein) Appelhanz; and sister, Mary Jo Kubin.
A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2011, at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2011, at Crippin Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, in memory of George Appelhanz, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
