Harold J. Birkhofer

Harold J. 'Pete' Birkhofer was born on November 21st, 1933, on a small farm near Moscow, Iowa to Arthur and Helen Zesiger Birkhofer. He attended a one-room school in Moscow, through the eighth grade, and graduated High School from Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Jct, Iowa, in 1951. He passed away on April 26, 2023, after a brief illness.

After two years of working with the Scott County Engineers as a surveyor helper, in Davenport, Iowa, he was accepted into the Aviation Cadet program of the US Air Force in March, 1954, and graduated in May 1955, commissioned as a 2d Lieutenant with the aeronautical rating of Observer/Navigator. In 1958, he was admitted to Air Force pilot training, and graduated with the aeronautical rating of pilot in 1959. He served in the Air Force for 20 years, flying airlift missions throughout the world, accumulating more than 10,000 accident-free flying hours. He also was rated as a helicopter pilot, flew for a Special Forces Squadron in Viet Nam in 1971/72. He finished his Air Force career in 1974, at Cheyenne, WY, flying Missile Support. Pete was awarded many citations throughout his Air Force career, including the Viet Nam Service medal, the Commendation Medal, numerous Air Medals, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired with the rank of Lt Col.

From 1957 to 1977, Pete was married to Pat Peterson. Five children were born of that marriage.

After retiring from the Air Force, Pete moved with his family to Fort Collins, CO. He started working for the Colorado State University Athletic Department in the fall of 1974, as assistant equipment manager. Pete became the head equipment manager in 1978, where he served until retirement in 1994. He was blessed to work with many fine athletes, coaches and administrators during his 20 years with Colorado State.

In 1978, Pete met and fell in love with Toni Thompson. They were married in 1992 and have remained husband and wife until this day.

Pete is survived by his five children, Julia (Russ) Juvan, Brian Birkhofer, Lisa Birkhofer, Rebecca Kaiser, and Brett (Heather) Birkhofer, and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom he is quite proud. He was preceded in death by his parents, two older brothers, and an older sister.

Pete requested there be no service. A celebration of his life will be held at a date to be determined. The family asks that any memorials to Pete be made in the form of donations to the general scholarship fund at Colorado State University, Pathways Hospice or other charitable organization of your choice.