Dedicated Greeley educator and philanthropist, John W. Haefeli, M.A. ’86, passed away
on May 31, 2025. Alongside his wife, Delia, ’90, John was an active supporter of UNC,
Greeley-Evans School District 6 and numerous other community organizations, with a
lifelong commitment to giving back.
John and Delia both earned their master's degrees at UNC. John was a retired District
6 educator and former adjunct faculty member at UNC’s School of Teacher Education.
An avid Bears fan, he also served as an assistant coach for UNC Baseball and on the
UNC Alumni Board. Together, the couple established the Haefeli Family Scholarship
to support aspiring teachers at UNC.
In addition to his lifetime of service and generosity to his alma mater, John was
a prominent figure in Greeley and widely recognized for his exceptional contributions
to education and community service. He served eight years on the District 6 Board
of Education, including as director. In 2023, he joined the Aims Community College
Board of Trustees, where he advocated for expanded educational opportunities and supported
initiatives to increase access to education for all learners.
John and Delia, also a retired educator, established the Delia and John W. Haefeli
Opportunity Fund through the District 6 Success Foundation to assist local students
with essential needs, like internet access, course fees and extracurricular activities.
They also funded a scholarship for The Greeley Dream Team, an organization dedicated
to helping students achieve graduation.
Beyond his work in education, John was actively involved in numerous community organizations,
including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Weld County, Catholic Charities Migrant Housing
Board, United Way of Weld County, the Northern Colorado International Refugee Center
and the Colorado High School Activities Association Foundation. He also worked with
disabled veterans through Project Healing Waters.
John leaves behind a profound legacy characterized by his unwavering dedication to
education, commitment to community service and passion for empowering others, particularly
students. He is remembered as a leader, mentor and compassionate individual whose
impact on the Greeley community will endure for generations.
