Obituary of Harlan Robert Stoffregen

Harlan Robert "Bob" Stoffregen lost his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on the evening of August 9, 2023.  He was 78.

Born in Greeley, Colorado on June 11, 1945, Harlan was the second born to Otto Jr. and Claire Stoffregen. Harlan grew up in Greeley with his two sisters Janice and Mary. For a short time, his family moved to Colorado Springs where he graduated high school. After high school graduation and beginning college, Harlan met Patricia, his now wife of 54 years. One day, while working in the oil fields he received a letter requiring him to serve in Vietnam. Harlan fought in the Vietnam War from March 16, 1967, to June 26 1968 and was a Sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division. Harlan received a combat infantry badge, Vietnam service medal, Nation Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a parachute badge.

Upon returning home to Greeley, Harlan received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. With his accounting degree he began a lengthy professional career with State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, Illinois, and Westlake Village California. Harlan loved his career at State Farm and was adored by his colleagues. He was very involved in extra-curricular activities at State Farm such as being part of their basketball league and Treasurer of the State Farm Credit Union in Westlake Village.

Harlan relished the joys of giving back to others. He used his free time to volunteer for MANA in Thousand Oaks, and Evangelical Free Church. He also provided Angel Flights in his airplane for those who needed flight transport for their surgery appointments. He has donated his time to countless charities and donated blood to the Red Cross. Most recently, Harlan volunteered for AARP income tax services in Greeley Colorado.

Harlan took pleasure in his hobbies and providing a wonderful life for his family. He loved to fly airplanes, ride motorcycles, reading thriller novels, and working on projects around the house. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Estes Park and visiting grandchildren in Arizona and Texas, taking them on adventures. He and his wife Patricia traveled to Israel and Mexico and hosted many church newcomers brunches at their home. He was a part of a men's prayer group at his church. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and his dog Sadie "Sadie Dog!". Harlan was known for being level-headed and giving great advice, complimented with a joke or two. Possessing a remarkable sense of humor, Harlan will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, radiant smile, and his unwavering empathy towards others. Harlan credited his Grandparents Otto Sr. and Vernay for demonstrating a foundation of great values, discipline, responsibility, and love. Most recently, Harlan enjoyed flying his Comanche, going out to breakfast and dinners with his wife Patricia, enjoying his home in Greeley, Colorado and working out in the yard most of the day.

Harlan is survived by his wife Patricia and two daughters Brenda and Paula. Sister Janice and preceded in death his younger sister Mary. He has six surviving grandchildren Brittani, Jonathan, Joshua, Charity, Robert, and Topanga. Harlan is also survived by Great Grandson Luka, close cousins Mel, Bonnie and Sharon and countless other cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family, and many friends.  Harlan was preceded in death by his granddaughter Sara. Harlan will be buried with his beloved dog Sadie who unexpectedly passed away less than a day after his death. Sadie was 16.

As we mourn the loss of Harlan, let us cherish the memories we have of him and celebrate the impact he had on our lives. His spirit will live on through the love and laughter he shared with his family and friends. May Harlan find eternal peace, and may his loved ones find solace in the enduring moments they shared with him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday August 25, 2023, at 9:30AM at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Avenue Greeley, CO 80634.

The family welcomes donations to the following charities: Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces or Blood Services at redcross.org, or to http://www.cccgreeley.org/giving to contribute to Christ Community Church