George Harold Werbelow

George Harold Werbelow passed away April 30, 2017 of pneumonia complications from a stroke. He was born in Emblem, Wyoming on August 9, 1930 the sixth of 14 children to Martin and Ella (Blank) Werbelow. He attended Emblem Grade School and was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church.

Music was a part of his early home life. He taught himself to play the guitar, piano, and harmonica by ear.

He joined the Air Force in 1953 and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He trained as an airplane mechanic for C-124 cargo planes, earned his GED, and learned to fly.

On April 6, 1958, George married Joyce Bauer in Emblem, Wyoming. They were married 59 years and had 5 children.

George and his brother Delbert (Joe) farmed together on the Emblem Bench for more than 40 years. After Joe’s retirement, George and his sons Todd and Victor farmed together. They raised sugar beets, malt barley, alfalfa seed and pinto beans.

George loved to garden. He would grow tomatoes and peppers and sell them at local farmers markets. He also was known for the beautiful petunia trees. Many times, travelers on their way to Yellowstone would stop to admire and chat about them.

George loved a good gambling trip. He enjoyed playing the slot machines.

George is survived by his wife Joyce. His children, daughters Connie and Brenda Werbelow (James Cotter) of Windsor, Colorado, sons Todd Werbelow (Connie), Victor Werbelow (Julie) of Emblem, Wyoming, Jeffrey Werbelow (Connie) of Phoenix, Arizona and grandchildren Valerie, Martin, Taylor, Austin, Mason, Noah, Matthew and Jenna Werbelow. He is also survived by his siblings Delbert Werbelow of Riverton, Wyoming, Luella Henderson of Greybull, Wyoming, Clarence Werbelow of Powell, Wyoming, Jean Werbelow of Monterey, California, Mary Shepard of Spokane, Washington and Lee Roy Werbelow of Powell, Wyoming, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 6 at Zion Lutheran Church, Emblem, Wyoming. A memorial fund has been set up at Big Horn Federal Savings, Greybull, WY. Proceeds will go to Zion Lutheran Church.

Think of George when you see a farmer working the land. It was his life and he never tired of it.