David Woelfel

“What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been” - The Grateful Dead

David Woelfel, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on February 12th

leaving behind a legacy of teaching and giving. His life was dedicated to sharing his knowledge

and passions with not only his loved ones, but the students he considered family.

David was born to Stanley Ray and Barbara (Baker) Woelfel on March 7, 1952, in Mount

Vernon, Illinois. He attended Bear Creek High School graduating in 1970. There he was active

in track and field, marching band and The Westernairres.

After high school he attended Notre Dame and The Colorado State University, graduating in

1975 with a degree in Animal Science. While at CSU he pledged to Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) and

remained devoted to the fraternity and his Brothers.

A critical life decision was made while skiing at Winter Park one weekend with friends, David

decided to flip a coin and decide his career path: Heads= Teaching, Tails= Cancer Research.

Heads luckily won and he completed his teaching certificate at the University of Northern

Colorado.

Central Catholic High School in Denver was David’s first stop and where he began his “real

learning” about teaching. From 1976-1982 he taught kids one of his favorite subjects, science!

There, he also coached basketball and track forming lifelong bonds with his students, and was

honored when he was invited by his former students to attend numerous class reunions.

David’s next stop was in the Cherry Creek School District at Laredo Middle School as the

science teacher and boys basketball coach. During his tenure at Laredo, he went on two trips

to Europe with students and French teachers. While at Laredo David met someone very

special, his soon-to-be bride Cathy.

New adventures led David to teach at Eaglecrest High School and then on to PREP before

retiring in 2008.

“What do you teach?” A question often asked when someone finds out they are speaking to a

teacher. “Kids, and on a good day, science”, was David’s answer. Mr. Woelfel was always

serious and passionate about his work. It was always important to talk with his students, not at

them. Everyone would understand each other better if the conversation goes that way.

David was also involved with the Colorado State Science Convention for many years as the

Chairman for Vendors.

David’s love for teaching was strong, but his love for Cathy and their family was stronger. One

payday, on June 20, 1990, David and Cathy married at The Candlelight Wedding Chapel in Las

Vegas with Julie and Andy standing with them. Through the years they took a house and built it

into their home. Whether a trip to North Redington Beach, Florida or to Saint Albans, Vermont,

they did it together and enjoyed it all. As most of you know, David was a Disney fanatic. He

went to Disneyland the year it opened, then took numerous trips with Cathy, and most recently

enjoyed taking his grandkids to the Disney parks. Just a couple of years ago he went to Disney

World, Disneyland and Disney Paris all in just four months!

David always loved an adventure; he loved climbing a 14er, making tracks in fresh powder,

going on a spirited ride in his beloved Porsche 911, building furniture or traveling. One of his

recent trips was to France to visit the sites where his two uncles served in WWII. He always

stayed close to his roots and things he learned from his parents; tinkering with tools, his love

for gardening, fishing and hunting as well as his mother’s love for reading.

Becoming a Grandpa was David’s most rewarding adventure, and his most beloved one.

Alexander David Megill, Kenedie Amorie Malia, William Sebring Megill, Jonathan Trueman

Bishop-Woelfel, Lilliana Jo Malia, and Jenna Marie Bishop-Woelfel were all lucky enough to call

David by Grandpa. Whether sitting through hours of Princess’s on TV or teaching them how to

plant pumpkins in the garden, he loved every minute.

David precedes his loving wife Cathy, his rock. Supporting him through a valiant battle, her

endless devotion and love is appreciated and will not be forgotten.

Daughter: Julie Malia, husband Brent

Son:Andy Bishop-Woelfel, wife Nia

Sister: Debbie Faigh, husband Rik

Nephews: Matthew Faigh, Patrick Cross

Nieces: Heather Arkinson, Cassidy Bryer

Sister and brother in laws: Charlotte and Jim Arkinson, Pam and Peter Cross, Steve Bryer

Uncle: Tom Woelfel, wife Pam

Aunt: Ann Baker

Numerous Cousins

Please join family and friends for a Celebration of Life in honor of David:

Saturday, March 5, 2022

1PM - 5PM

Heritage Eaglebend Clubhouse

23155 E. Heritage Parkway

Aurora CO 80016

RSVP by Feb 22 by text to 303-877-9324

Please wear your Hawaiian shirt!!!

In lieu of flowers please donate in David’s honor to:

The Food Bank of the Rockies

Toys for Tots

All donations are greatly appreciated.