George Patek Ettenheim

George Patek Ettenheim III left his earthly body to continue his heavenly journey with Our Father at 4:20 pm, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, just before his 59th birthday.

George was born on April 30th, 1967, in Pasadena, California. He was the 4th child and only son of George P. Ettenheim Jr. and Charleen Albee.

George received his BDS from Arizona State University and his MA from Sacramento State University. He was an accomplished sculptor, neon sign maker, metalsmith, mechanic, builder, maker, tinkerer, painter, mentor, thinker and friend.

George lived his early years in Pasadena, California, then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, for college. He moved back to the greater Los Angeles area and pursued his passion for design and art, starting a neon sign business, Heaven or Las Vegas, which provided neon signs for the movie industry. He was known for his metal work and highly sought after by retail businesses for his designs. He then moved to Sacramento, California, to pursue his Master of Arts degree. In August of 2012, he moved to Dayton, TN, to build his 8th studio - 8 Ball Studio.

Primarily, George lived in his garden, and nature was his church. He believed in "leaving the judging to Jesus." He believed in Our Father; he believed that we are all artists, and in honoring his mother and father.

He loved to grow plants and was drawn to the depth of color in nature. He loved watching the light progress through the day. He loved birds and metal and teaching people. He was gifted with the ability to nurture and encourage creativity in others.

Those who loved him were rewarded with his loving, kind, gentle, and tender heart that encouraged, taught, nurtured, and loved.

George is survived by his life partner, Mary Mac Brooks; his sister, Margaret Ettenheim of Duarte, CA, and her son, Chris Small; his sister, Kathy Stokes and her husband Maitland of Altadena, CA, along with their children, Casey Stokes of CA and Bailey Arnold of Mesa, AZ; his sister, Ginger Loesch and her husband Bill of Pasadena, CA, and their children Clair Loesch of Pasadena and Samuel Loesch of CA; his step sisters, Janet, Carol, and Mary Albee; and his nieces and nephews, Tigris, Callie, and Valarie Nevans, Sarah, Howard, Martha, Polly, and Mary Eunice Magley, and countless students and a menagerie rescued critters (mostly cats).

George was preceded in death by his father, mother, and stepfather, Arden Albee.

A Celebration of Life for George will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 pm. The location will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to YCAP with YMCA of Chattanooga or SPLASHyouthartsworkshop.org.

May we think of George when the light shifts, when the metal catches the sun, and when something small begins to grow. Keep your hands busy and your eyes on the light and think of George.

Please share your memories of George on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee.