Harold Pfeifer

1938 - 2021

On May 4, 2021, Mr. Harold J. Pfeifer, 83, of Fort Morgan passed away from complications of sepsis at UC Health Hospital in Greeley, CO. Harold was born January 2, 1938, in Wichita, Kansas to John B. and Bertha (Leiker) Pfeifer. He was the first born of five children. At the age of seven, his family moved to Cheyenne Wells, CO where he grew up working in the fields with his father and brother. Harold attended Sacred Heart Catholic elementary school and graduated from Cheyenne Wells High School in 1956 where he participated in football, basketball, and track. After high school, he attended Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado) graduating with a BA degree in History and later a Master's degree in Social Studies. Harold began his 35 year teaching career in 1961 at Fort Morgan High School, where he taught classes in history (primarily U.S. history) and social studies. Early in his teaching career, he was a wrestling, football, and tennis coach. During this time, he met his wife-to-be, Dianna Morse. They were married on September 30, 1966, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greeley, CO. Harold was also a longtime member of St. Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan. Harold was a loyal fan of the Mustang sporting events and attended many home games. He also had an encyclopedic memory regarding students, colleagues, and events that occurred at FMHS both during and after his tenure there. His stories, knowledge, and insight into the many people connected to FMHS and Fort Morgan more generally will be greatly missed. Favorite retirement activities of Harold's included attending auctions, garage/yard sales, and collectible shows. He spent many hours buying and selling items on eBay, which in many ways became a second profession post-retirement. During his time as a teacher at FMHS, Harold also served for many years as a salesman for World Book Encyclopedia, which kept him busy throughout the summers, strengthened his connection to the community, and further contributed to his commitment to education and knowledge. In what free time remained, weather permitting, he greatly enjoyed spending time on the golf course with many good friends within that community. He further enjoyed reading historical works (including many biographies), tennis, riding his bike, and attending concerts with Dianna. Harold is survived by his wife, Dianna, of Fort Morgan; two children, Blaine of Buffalo, NY and Lana (Kunal Shah) of San Francisco, CA; one grandson, Leo Shah; one brother, Don (Jonita) Pfeifer of Springfield, MO, and three sisters, Arlene (Jack) Laird of Littleton, CO, Lynnette Land (Jack) Hargiss of Pine, CO, and Marilene Miller of Vero Beach, FL; several nieces and nephews; and his pet cat, Tiquey. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. Brush Memorial Cemetery Gazebo Friends who wish can make gifts to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (crohnscolitisfoundation.org).