George August Bartlett, age 92 of Orem, Utah, passed away peacefully Monday, January 9, 2006 at the Orchard Park Care Center in Orem, Utah. He was born August 18, 1913 in Coloma, Adams County, Wisconsin to Melvin Leroy Bartlett and Pauline Augusta Bund. He married Gladys ("Sally") Louise Cardo November 8, 1938 in Madison, Wisconsin. Their marriage was later solemnized and their family sealed together in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on August 22, 1951. She preceded him in death September 5, 1993.

George was the first son and second of seven children. Born into a farming family, he learned the value of hard work at a young age, a character trait that continued throughout his life. He grew up in central Wisconsin, and during the Great Depression worked on farms and in various construction related jobs. In 1937 he began employment as a railcar iceman for Oscar Mayer & Co. in Madison, and in 1948 moved to their new Davenport, Iowa plant as a shipping foreman. He retired from Oscar Mayer in 1974, having been the night shift plant manager for many years. He and Sally also developed and managed a small farm north of Davenport from 1953 to 1966 before building a new home in Long Grove, Iowa.

George was respected as a true gentleman and congenial friend. He was interested in everything, and was an excellent craftsman and patient problem solver. He enjoyed working with his hands, riding motorcycles, fishing, hunting, animals, reading, traveling, and learning new things. He was particularly fond of family celebration events and reunions. He had a great sense of humor, and was always cheerful and quick-witted. When asked where he was while hospitalized shortly before passing, he quipped, "In the cemetery" then quickly added, "No, I’m in the hospital." He always brought much joy and comfort into the lives of everyone with whom he associated.

Following his retirement, he and his wife served LDS missions to the Washington, D.C. and Mesa, Arizona Temples. He was a convert to and devoted member of the LDS Church, serving faithfully in many branch, district, ward, stake and quorum presidencies and leadership positions. He was always extremely generous with his time, talents and material means to everyone who needed his help.

George was preceded in death by his parents, a younger brother Melvin, and sisters Lorena A. Muraski, Edna O. Scott, Mary E. Duchow and Margaret M. Gehrke. He is survived by his 3 children and their spouses Barry LaMar Bartlett (Nancy) of Orem, Utah; Jan Lee Bartlett (Kathy) of Pecos, Texas, and Jyl Lyn Rice (Michael) of Sophia, North Carolina; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Elsie L. Schade.

The family expresses sincere appreciation for the loving kindness of the Orchard Park Care Center, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Orem City Fire and Paramedic Service, Dr. Steven Merrill and other caregivers who so ably assisted George since suffering a partial stroke in 2003.