Retired educator, coach, board of education director, and community advocate John Haefeli passed away at the age of 67 after battling pancreatic cancer.
John W. Haefeli was a beloved figure in Greeley, Colorado. He lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service.
A key part of his story was his strong bond with his wife, Darling Delia.
They were married for 31 years, and John often said that Delia was the best thing that ever happened to him.
He described her as tough, passionate, loving, kind, a great educator, the captain of his team, and his best friend.
Together, they shared countless adventures, but John’s favorite moments were fishing with Delia.
When asked about his favorite water, he’d smile and say, “The one I’m on with her.”
Their love was the foundation of his life, and their partnership inspired everyone around them.
John and Delia raised three wonderful daughters: (surrogate children, twins ) Lauren Ashley Larson, Nicole Larson Fuller, and Sandra Pike
His family was his pride and joy, and he poured his heart into being a loving father, husband, and mentor.
John was born to Julianne Fischer Haefeli and Dr. Joseph L. Haefeli in Greeley, a community where his family’s roots stretched back over 100 years.
He grew up alongside his sister, Ann Scott, and his brother, Joseph Haefeli, learning the values of care and love from his cherished mother.
John Was A Proud Greeley Native And Dedicated His Life To Serving Others
He was a retired educator, coach, and Board of Education Director for Greeley-Evans School District 6.
The district mourned his loss, sharing a heartfelt tribute:
John graduated from Colorado State University (CSU) and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), where he later became an Honorary Alumnus at both University High School and UNC—a distinction he proudly shared with his wife, Delia, and his mother, Julianne.
His passion for education shone through in his teaching at middle school, high school, and college levels, where he guided students toward academic success and personal growth.
He believed in building an inclusive community where “all means all,” making everyone feel valued and inspired to be their best selves.
John’s love for sports was a big part of his life.
He played baseball at CSU, coached baseball at UNC, and led tennis teams with enthusiasm.
For over 40 years, he officiated basketball at all levels, from local games to Division 1, NCAA, and National Finals.
His athletic spirit extended to hiking and fishing, his favorite pastime, especially when shared with Delia.
Even in his final days, John’s energy shone through on the morning of May 31, 2025, when he threw out the first pitch at a championship baseball game before passing away surrounded by family, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer at age 67.
His contributions to sports and education earned him numerous honors, including Hall of Fame status for High School Basketball Officials and Greeley West High School, where he was also named Teacher of the Year.
More recently, he received the CSU Health and Human Services Award and the Boys and Girls Club’s first-ever “The John Haefeli Hearts and Hands Award.”
Alongside Delia, he was honored with The Haefeli Classroom at the Poudre Learning Center, a testament to their shared commitment to education.
John was incredibly generous, volunteering with his therapy dog, Emma, at UCHealth, where she earned Employee of the Month. He made a meaningful impact on everyone he encountered.
A Final Farewell
John W. Haefeli passed away on May 31, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and community.
He is survived by his wife, Darling Delia, their daughters, Sandra Pike, Lauren Ashley Larson, and Nicole Larson Fuller, his sister, Ann Scott, his brother, Joseph Haefeli, and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julianne Fischer Haefeli and Dr. Joseph L. Haefeli.
Services to celebrate John’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greeley on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
A rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Poudre Learning Center.
True to his fun-loving spirit, John requested that everyone wear shorts and a hoodie or vest to honor him.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, gifts in John’s name be made to The Delia & John W. Haefeli Opportunity Fund at the Weld Community Foundation or the CSU John W. Haefeli Education Scholarship via Allnutt Funeral Service – Macy Chapel.
John W. Haefeli lived every day with purpose, lifting others up through education, sports, and volunteering.
His love for his wife, Darling Delia, and his family was the heartbeat of his life.
As we remember John, we celebrate a man who gave so much, loved so deeply, and left an indelible mark on Greeley and beyond. Tight lines, Mr. Haefeli—your legacy will
