William "Bill" Leroy Schaefer

William “Bill” Leroy Schaefer, 87, of La Salle, Colorado passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

William “Bill” Schaefer was born on July 21, 1939, in Greeley, Colorado, to Ruth and Robert Schaefer. He graduated from College High School in 1957. On November 8, 1959, Bill married the love of his life, Beverly Schaefer, at the First Congregational Church in Greeley. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed two children, Jill Schaefer, born March 25, 1967, and Michael Schaefer, born January 27, 1970.

Bill spent his life devoted to his family, farming, his community, and the many hobbies and interests that brought him joy. He was a hardworking, selfless, kind, and gentle man who found great happiness in helping others while making the people around him smile.

Bill proudly served his country from 1962 to 1968. He spent his first two years at Buckley Air Force Base in Denver before transferring to the 138th Air Force unit in Greeley, where he served as an Airman First Class with the 138 GEEIA Squadron. He was honorably discharged from the Colorado Air National Guard and the United States Air Force Reserve on December 10, 1968. Bill had hoped to serve longer, but his family and the farm needed him back home.

At the age of 21, Bill and Bev purchased their first farm independently and began building the life they would share together. Bill farmed for 55 years, from the age of 21 until he was 76. In 1969, while continuing to farm, he began selling seed, beginning a career he would continue for 49 years before retiring in 2018.

Even after retirement, Bill remained closely connected to the farming community. He could often be found driving around the farms, helping with seed sales, lending a hand with silage, and staying involved wherever he could. Farming was more than a career to Bill; it was a lifelong passion and an important part of who he was. He took great pride in his work, the land, and the people he worked alongside.

Summertime brought another one of Bill’s favorite passions: tractor pulling. From 1970 to 1982, he competed in tractor pulling and proudly brought home several trophies. He loved the competition, the tractors, and especially the camaraderie that came with the sport. His beloved John Deere 4020 became a memorable part of his love for both farming and tractor pulling.

Bill was also an avid Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan. He loved watching the games, following the seasons, and cheering on his favorite teams. Whether watching from home or talking about the latest game with family and friends, his passion for the Broncos and Rockies was another one of the many things that brought him joy.

Bill and Beverly also shared a love of traveling and spent many years making memories together. They traveled to Alaska, Pennsylvania, Sioux Falls, Arizona during the winter months, and many other places along the way. They enjoyed experiencing new places together and created countless memories throughout their life.

Bill was also deeply committed to serving his community. Throughout his lifetime, he served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Water Board for 38 years, the Carter Lake Filter Board for 30 years, the Church Board in La Salle, the La Salle Fire Department Board for six years from 2004 to 2010, the Fair Board for four years, and the School Board for four years. He also served as secretary of the National Corn Growers Association. His commitment to these organizations reflected his willingness to give his time, knowledge, and talents to help others as well as strengthen the community he loved.

Those who knew Bill also knew there was another side to him that brought people together: his love of cooking and baking. Affectionately known as “Billy Crocker” whenever he was in the kitchen. Bill took great pride in preparing food and sharing it with family, friends, and even strangers. From homemade French fries and fried chicken to peach cobbler, lemon pie, and so much more, there was always something special coming out of Bill’s kitchen.

Bill often joked that he learned how to cook after Beverly passed away. He took the time to learn her recipes, carrying on the tradition of the delicious food she had made for their family and loved ones. For Bill, learning her recipes was about much more than learning how to cook. It was a way to keep a part of Beverly alive, share something she had loved, and make sure that her food and the surrounding memories would never be forgotten.

Bill was one of the most selfless, kind, generous, and gentle souls anyone could have the privilege of knowing. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, give what he could, or go out of his way to make someone’s day a little better. Whether he was helping a neighbor, checking in on a friend, sharing a meal, or simply offering a smile, Bill had a genuine gift for making people feel cared for.

Whether he was behind the wheel of a tractor, working in the fields, pulling his John Deere, serving his community, traveling with Bev, or standing in the kitchen preparing something delicious, Bill believed in working hard, staying busy, and being there for others.

His life was defined not only by what he accomplished, but by the people he helped, the memories he created, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely. Bill leaves behind a lasting legacy of hard work, service, generosity, family, and love.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

William “Bill” Schaefer will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Jill Schaefer; his brothers, Jimmy Schaefer and Russel Schaefer; his grandchildren, Abbygail Schaefer and William Schaefer; his daughter-in-law, Julie Fagerberg; and his many extended family members and loved ones.

William “Bill” Schaefer was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly Schaefer; his son, Michael Schaefer; his brother, Gerald Robert Schaefer; his sister, Donna Lind; his father, Robert “Bob” Schaefer; and his mother, Ruth Schaefer.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for William “Bill” Schaefer will be held on September 17th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634.

Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Bill’s life, share memories, and honor the lasting impact he had on the many people who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pathways Hospice.

Those who knew and loved William Schaefer will carry his memory in their hearts forever.