Submit a PhotoDue to current COVID-19 restrictions, memorial services are by invitation, and will be held Friday, August 14, 2020 at 10 AM at Gilbert Memorial Park,
2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297.
George Alan Protz, Construction Engineering Inspector with Central Arizona Project died unexpectedly on July 18th, 2020 at the age of 58.
George is survived by his parents George L. and Patricia R. Protz; his wife of 38 years, Dannene D. Protz; his two sons Jason C. Protz (Shawna), Nicholas D. Protz (Breanne); his five grandchildren Naiomi J. Protz, Briana L. Protz, Olivia M. Freeman, Caleb D. Protz and Eli R. Protz; and his siblings Daniel J. Protz (Candice), Patricia L. Clark (Richard). He was preceded in death by his sister Shirley A. Protz and his grandson Ethan A. Protz.
George was born in Elgin, Illinois October 2nd, 1961. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served a total of ten years in the submarine force as an Interior Communication Electrician. His first base was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he met his wife Dannene. After marriage and the birth of their two sons, he served his remaining six years at Bangor Submarine Base in Washington state. While in the Navy he traveled the world, had unique experiences, and made many friends along the way. He served on the USS George Washington 598; USS Skate 578 and USS Alaska Trident 732.
In 1988 after serving his enlistment time in the Navy, George moved his family to Arizona. He had a very successful career working in the field of control systems, electrical engineering and construction. He worked in different municipalities, including wind & solar, and all types of construction projects. Because of his capabilities he had many other opportunities that allowed him the experience of traveling all over the United States and to other countries.
In his leisure time he enjoyed boating, snow skiing, hiking, four wheeling, vacations in Hawaii and always took his family along on these ventures. He previously served in his church as an usher and Royal Ranger’s Boys Scout group. George was very generous to family and Christian ministries. Some of his favorite ministries were Teen Challenge and World Vision, with two sponsored children over many years. He loved joking around as well as entertaining his family and friends whenever he could. He had so much to live for and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends and co-workers.
George will be buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located in North Phoenix.
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George will be greatly missed. I know I will miss his prayers before Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. RIP George. I love you!
I love you my brother! Missing you so much❤️
My husband Dave and I send our sympathy to the family. We will miss George, especially his welcoming smile!
I am fortunate to have served with George on the USS George Washington. I met him when we were both very young with similar dreams.. to serve our country, see the world, and meet new friends. Some of the best memories I have include George and I will miss him very much. Rest In Peace My Brother and Shipmate.
Georgia, that’s what I called him all his life and Shirley were like my son and daughter. Love to my lost family members. Uncle Al
I met George while serving in the George Washington. We were room mates during my last off crew on the GW. I have many great memories, I’ll miss the random phone calls from George just to see how we’re doing. One of the kindest people I’ve ever know. RIP my friend…
George welcomed me into the family with open arms. He was always there for us when we needed him. I will miss the amazing grandfather he was to our daughter and the father he came to be for me.
My husband was Dannene’s Uncle Harold. When he died I was basically broke. I was taking him back to Iowa for burial. George gave me a airline ticket to Iowa. That was so nice of him and he always welcomed me to their home. I love George and Dannene. They are nice real people.
So sorry for your loss. I know he will live on forever in your hearts with all the beautiful memories.
George was a good cook, he prepared a lot of meals for me. George played a lot of jokes on me, one of the best jokes was when he bought a Fake spilled coffee and put it on my new chair after I said don’t spill on my new chair! He was good to me and helped me with whatever I needed. I loved him. ❤️
George is married to my neice. George is very generous and caring. When my husband died George gave me a round Trip ticket to take my husband back to Iowa. George has always been so nice to me and I will always love him with wonderful memories. Rest in peace George. I will always miss your smile.
George loved life and love to joke. I really loved his cooking as he was a great cook. Whenever I’ve gone on a family trip with George he was good host and knowledgeable about everything. I loved and will miss him very much
We have such great memories with George. He loved to entertain, his cooking was always appreciated! So many family gatherings, on holidays, and at Tonto, sitting by the fire and telling stories. All the poker parties we all had a lot of fun playing. George liked to play a few tricks while playing. George has a good heart. He will be missed.
I have spent a lot of time thinking through a life time of memories with you dad. There are so many that I cherish and it is hard to think that there will be no new ones. You were a great father and I will miss you. I love you dad!
Going to miss you George…forever my Ostrich festival partner. Love you
George always made me smile. He believed in God, working hard and playing harder! Because of George and Dani my family had the best tour guides in Maui. He was patient kind and very generous. We shared so many holiday parties together and most recently a weekend in Tonto on the quads. George was a real friend and a genuine soul. Heaven gained an Angel and we know he will be waiting for us all with open arms ready to have a good time when we meet him in heaven too! God Bless George and thank you for everything you are already missed. Keep the Tiki lights burning!!!
I am so grateful that I had the privilege of growing up with such an amazing Dad. He was a very caring and compassionate person, and always put the needs of his family first. He always wanted to make sure our lives were rich with experiences, fun, and excitement. He has inspired me to raise my own sons with the same spirit of adventure. He taught me so much, and I consider myself fortunate to have followed closely in his footsteps in so many ways. I always enjoyed his advice and wisdom, and how caring he was to me. I miss you Dad so much!
We met George and his family at church years ago and they were part of our first small group. That group quickly became family and we have many fond memories of boating, camping, skiing, and hanging out at the Protz house for Sunday potlucks and swimming. George was a kind and generous person and always looked out for others. So often, when I’m sitting outside at night, I think of George and that he liked to sleep on the patio under the stars when we went to Rocky Point. Because Jesus was his Savior, we know he is eternally in the presence of the Lord and we will see him again. Love you brother in Christ!
George I just wanted to thank you for all the laughs and good times you provided for my family and so many others. You were the best most knowledgeable tour guide in Maui. Really going to miss your happy go lucky attitude and if there is anything we can learn from you, it is always have a young soul and make any situation a positive one. Watch over us and Rest Easy my Friend.
I miss you so much my husband and best friend. But I will see you again in heaven so rest in Jesus while you wait for me. Love you ❤️❤️❤️
I served with George on the submarine USS George Washington. We became good friends and roommates while stationed at Pearl Harbor. Our friendship continued after the Navy. George was a “Jack of All Trades” and I was continually amazed at all that he accomplished in his lifetime. He was an exceptional family man. I will miss our frequent phone calls and most of all his laughter and ability to make people smile. Rest in Peace my good friend. Love you My Brother of the Phin….
George will be greatly missed. I’m so glad I got to be a part of the Protz family. There are so many good times to remember with George. Caleb sure loves him and we will make sure he remembers him always. His laugh was contagious and so memorable it makes me smile when I think of him.
George you are my friend always we had a big time. As we always spoke we were brothers. You and your family were always so kind to me and Taylor and made us always feel at home. The times we had working together developed into a friendship I will always cherish. My heart goes out to Dannene, Nick and Jason along with the other family members as well. George always always spoke so highly of his mom and dad. Great wife and kids. Your dad and husband was my best friend and I am sure saddened to the core to learn of your passing Georgie. Vaya Con Dios and Rest in Peace my brother. I hope to see you again someday, somehow.