William "Dave" Striffler

"Life is a journey." Dave (William David Striffler, named after his grandfather} began his journey July 10, 1929, in Oberlin, Ohio. He died peacefully on September 5th, 2025. His parents were Roy Jacob Striffler and Grace Darling (Foster) Striffler. At the time of Dave's birth, Roy was a student at Oberlin Seminary. The family, including older brother Phillip, younger brother Foster, and sister Martha settled in Geneva, Ohio during the Depression and war years. In his early years, Dave was a Boy Scout, participated in paper and metal drives, and served as a messenger during Civil Defense blackout drives. He learned to play mellophone in 5th grade and later switched to French horn. He played in many bands, orchestras, and small groups for most of his life: including The Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra and Loveland Concert Band. Dave graduated from Geneva High School in 1947. He attended Kent State U. for a year and then transferred to Michigan State where he graduated with an MS in Forestry in 1952. Accepted into the Navy's Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned in 1952 and was assigned to the US Taylor DDE468. His service included time in Korea and 2 years as Photo Interpreter with Naval Intelligence in the Pentagon. After his military service he attended University of Michigan in a Forest Hydrology Program and then a PhD program and degree. His work and career positions started with the US Forest Service in Cadillac, Michigan, followed by a strip mine stabilization project in Kentucky. The family moved to Fort Collins, CO in 1966, where Dave was on Faculty at CSU in the College of Forestry. During his time at CSU he spent time in India in Dehra Dun as a consultant, and 3 years in the Philippines on a USAID project. In 1957, Dave married Marilyn Schneider. They had four children - all born in Michigan: David Lee, Brian James, Peter Scott, and Karen Louise. Their union ended in divorce in 1983. Dave met Carlota Phenix Moore in 1984 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. They were married in 1987, and she was able to spend a year in the Philippines with Dave during his last year there. She was his loving wife for the rest of his life. She brought more family into Dave's life with her son, Robert Moore and daughter Krissy Bhanji. Dave was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Golden K Kiwanis, NRA, and Northern Colorado Jazz Society. He volunteered for several years as a SAINT driver. He enjoyed many kinds of music, woodworking, collecting and shooting guns, and enjoyed reading history. Dave was preceded in death by his brothers Phillip and Foster. He is survived by his wife-Carlota, his children Dave, Brian, Pete, and Karen, and his sister Martha Staton. Also survived by stepson/wife - Rob/Amy and stepdaughter/husband - Krissy/Riz, sister-in-law Kathy Phenix (Bob Phenix - Deceased), and sister-in-law Laura Phenix/Scott Smith. Nine grandchildren: Karen's daughters Bailey Batchelor and Dany Batchelor. Rob/ Amy's children Damon Moore/Jordan and Gillian Moore, Krissy/Riz's blended family of Josh/Nikki, Imran/Laura Jo, Zach, Khalil, and Nash. Last but not least: our 2 great grandchildren from Josh and Nikki: Asher (6) and Camilla (4). A Celebration of Life Service for Dave will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins on Saturday, September 27*h at 2 PM. If you wish, donations to either your local NPR station or PBS channel would be appreciated.