Gregory J. Engelbert

Born in Beloit, KS on June 25,1927 to Joseph & Elizabeth Engelbert.  Greg was the youngest of four children.  His siblings were Louise (Lutgen), Norbert and Cecilia (Sis Pahls).  He and his  family grew up on a farm just outside Beloit, KS. Greg attended Elementary and High School at St. John’s Catholic School.  He married his High School sweetheart, Lila Reiter on August 24, 1948.  Greg was employed at People’s Lumber Company and while working he and his dad built the family home located on Highway 24 in Beloit.  Greg and Lila moved to Colorado a few years later and they built another home for their expanding family in Englewood.  Greg and Lila were happily married for 75 years.

Greg and Lila have five children; David (Judy), Patty (Mike Carrigan), Alan (Kathy), Bruce (Carol) and Kathy (Phil Miller-deceased).  All of the children continue to reside in Colorado. 

Greg had a 35 year career at Gates Rubber Company in Denver, CO and retired in 1990.  He met several life long friends while employed. In the early 1960’s, Greg and Lila purchased land in the Grand Lake area and proceeded to build a cabin that their family has enjoyed for decades.  This was a very special place for the family and much fishing, hiking, snowmobiling and such took place.  As a lifelong hobby, Greg restored over 50 Chevy’s with the help of his sons.  Greg actively continued following his passion for restoring classic Chevy’s until he was well into his 80’s.

Greg has always been a devout Catholic and family man.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Englewood Elks for a number of years.  He had amazing skills as a carpenter and mechanic.  Greg was the leader on countless home improvement projects for his children and grandchildren, teaching them the tricks of the trade. Greg enjoyed playing pranks on his grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved spending time with them.  Greg and Lila have 13 grandchildren; Jason (Karla), Jodie (Troy), Julie, Josh (Suzanne), Joe (Kali), Missy (Drew), Zach, Wesley (Brittany), Jessie (Eric), Simon (Amy), Matt, Chad, and Lilly.  They were also blessed with 16 great grandchildren. Each of them has special memories of their Grandpa Greg. 

Greg had strong values regarding family, Church and God.  He was an excellent role model for his family in all his actions. Greg was a pillar of strength and will be greatly missed by his entire family and friends.