Merlin Spanjer

Merlin S. Spanjer went home to be with our Lord Sept. 20, 2007. Born May 29, 1922, in Dailey to George and Louise Spanjer, Merlin joined the U.S. Navy in September 1942, after graduating from Dailey High School. Returning from his tour of duty in Australia and the Philippines, he married Mary Lane on June 22, 1947, in the Presbyterian Church in Sterling. In 1958, the family moved from Sterling to Boulder where Merlin worked in the propane business. Merlin started the Vangas Propane Company in 1969 in Fort Collins, where the family has called home since 1970. Retiring in 1987, Merlin and Mary were able to enjoy their love of travel, visiting most of the states in their motor home, sightseeing overseas, and booking ocean cruises. Whether wintering in Arizona or home in Fort Collins, Merlin loved spending time with friends and family, fishing, and tending his yard, especially his roses. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where he ushered for many years. Merlin is survived by Mary, his wife of 60 years; his son, Steve and wife Barbara of Fort Collins; daughter, Jody Spanjer Motz and husband Greg of Grand Junction; grandchildren, Kendra and Dana Spanjer, Jaime Motz Scripps and husband Wesley, Brian and Matthew Motz; great-grandchild, McCale Scripps; brother, Melvin Spanjer of Sterling; sisters, Sylvia Spanjer of Haxtun and Eunice Marks of Oral, S.D. A private service and interment at Grandview Cemetery will be held at a later date.