David Robert William Hoefer

David Robert William Hoefer, age 86, passed away on October 26, 2023. He was the middle child of five children born to Dr. Reverend Elmer and Thekla Hoefer in Rochester, NY.  David was known to be a mischievous child who enjoyed pranks and misbehaving in church. His childhood included many family camping trips which influenced his love of the outdoors and led to his choice of a career as a Forester. He attended Colorado State University where he met his wife, Nancy, in the Hikers Club. They were married in Cincinnati, OH on June 25, 1960 and had three children. David’s death came only a few weeks after losing Nancy. Their love for each other was so strong they could not be apart in life or death.

David’s 35 year career with the Forest Service began in 1959 in Durango and Pagosa Springs, CO with the San Juan National Forest. He went on to work for White River and Routt Forests in Aspen and Steamboat Springs. He enjoyed being involved with the budding ski industry in Colorado. David obtained his Master’s Degree from Michigan State University in 1978. He then worked for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and lived in Hailey, ID until taking his final assignment in 1988 as a Regional Environmental Coordinator in Ogden, UT. Retirement led him to Grand Junction, CO. He continued to work as a forestry consultant and was active in the Society of American Foresters for many years.

Outdoor activities were prominent in David’s life. He was a mountaineer, hiker, skier and cyclist. He was the first documented person to ride a bicycle over Trail Ridge Road. He rafted down the San Juan River and through Glen Canyon before Lake Powell was created. He continued to love rafting and camping throughout his life. David enjoyed wine making, dutch oven cooking, building and refinishing furniture, and celebrating his German heritage by wearing lederhosen. David was known for his DYI skills and could fix anything. He and Nancy were active in their Christian faith and were members of churches in their communities, most recently the First Congregational Church. He supported environmental and social causes.

David is survived by two brothers, Jon Hoefer (June) of Gardnerville, NV and Philip Hoefer (Marcia) of Fort Collins, CO, his children Stephen Hoefer (Deb), Laura Conant (Bill Cort) and Kristen Seiff of Grand Junction, CO and grandchildren Rachel Seiff, Abbey Hoefer and Ben Hoefer.

A memorial service will be held on November 16, 2023 at the First Congregational Church, 1425 N 5th St. Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 at 3:00 p.m., Wine and cheese reception following the service.

Memorial donations can be made to the Colorado Tree Coalition, coloradotree.org.