John Russell Stouffer

John Russell Stouffer passed away peacefully, at home, on December 21, 2022. He was surrounded by his precious wife and best friend, Shirley, who had been by his side for more than 60 years, his son, Rick Stouffer and his daughter, Jodi Dreiling. He joined his son, Bobby, in Heaven 37 years to the day that Bobby passed. For 37 years he yearned to be with his son and we celebrate the idea that they are together again.

John was born February 12, 1944 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Virginia and Roy Stouffer. He graduated from Central High School in 1962, married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Hardung and then went on to play football for the University of Wyoming. He graduated from University of Wyoming in 1966 the year his first son, Bobby was born. He had another son, Rick, in 1967 and a daughter, Jodi, in 1971. John and Shirley moved to Fort Collins in 1970 where they raised their 3 children.

John was always ready to play. His playful attitude and laughter was always a staple of being around him. He loved camping with his family, going to church, reading books, listening to books on tape, and sharing his knowledge and wisdom with others. He wasn’t a typical grandfather figure- he loved to be challenged, try new things, train his brain, and stay physically active. He was back in the gym even during his draining chemo treatments- never complaining about his pain or distress he was clearly in. John knew how to enjoy the simple things and often jumped in the car with Shirley to simply take a ride or sometimes to travel the country.

John was a man that cared deeply for his family and friends, especially his wife and kids. He was a loving, affectionate and a loyal father and grandfather. A great deal of his time was spent watching his grandchildren play soccer, baseball, football and volleyball. Just this past year he was able to watch his granddaughter senior night volleyball game. He even got to watch his great grandkids play baseball and football this year. He always prioritized his family and we cherished his presence. He leaves behind his wife, Shirley Stouffer of Fort Collins. His son and daughter-in-law, Rick & Kristin Stouffer of Fort Collins, his daughter and son-in-law, Jodi & Brandon Dreiling of Torrington, Wyoming, his grandchildren-Jordan & Caitlin Stouffer, Peyton Stouffer & David Goggin, Dylan Dreiling, Kayla Dreiling, 4 great-grandbabies, and his siblings Gary (Avala) Stouffer, Robert (Julie) Stouffer and Barbara Mugg. He is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia & Roy Stouffer and his son, Robert (Bobby) Stouffer.

John spent the last year fighting an impossible cancer. He did so with determination and positivity. His granddaughter recently wrote “nobody could fill his shoes, replace his boisterous, genuine laugh or sweep you into his arms the way he did.” He wasn’t a man to leave anything unsaid, especially when it came to sharing his love for his family. He went to Heaven knowing how much we loved him. He left us no doubts either. Words fail us in explaining the joy, adventure and love he brought to our lives. We will miss him forever.

Services will be held at Timberline Church Fort Collins on January 6, 2023 at 10AM.