SEPTEMBER 13, 1945 – OCTOBER 2, 2020
Merwyn Dayle Steinacher was born September 13, 1945 to Murvil Steinacher and June (McClure) Steinacher at the Alameda Naval Base in Oakland, California. Upon his father’s discharge in 1945, they returned to Nebraska where they lived and farmed outside of Geneva. It was there, Merwyn’s brother Byron was born. As you can imagine, two boys spending their early years in the wide expanse of a Nebraska farm! Merwyn’s family enjoyed listening to the many adventures he shared. In 1956, the Steinacher’s visited relatives in Boulder, Colorado and liked it so much they settled in, officially becoming Coloradans. Merwyn attended Washington Elementary, Casey Jr. High and then graduated from the original Fairview High School. His graduating classmates remain close to this day. He went on to Mesa College in Grand Junction before returning to Boulder earning his Bachelor degree from the School of Architecture (as it was then called) at the University of Colorado in 1972. In 1965, Merwyn and Judith (James) were married by Father Pat at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church.
Their family grew when their first son Michael was born, followed by Brendan and Brett. Merwyn worked for Junge & Associates during his years at CU. Later establishing his own architectural firm, Architects Design Group, which he had until his retirement. During those years he designed both residential and commercial projects throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Merwyn always gave time helping others, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, youth athletics, Boy Scouts of America and St. Aidan’s Church. He loved most spending time with his family and friends golfing, camping, fishing, boating and supporting his children’s athletics, cheering from the bleachers and cooking weekly team dinners. Everywhere Merwyn went, there were always many stories and memories to come home with.
After retiring, Merwyn and Judi came full circle, moving out East of Greeley to farm. His days filled restoring his John Deere tractors and old trucks, rebuilding equipment, and teaching his grandkids to drive and irrigate, fulfilling a bucket list dream. In 2011 they returned to Longmont, Colorado, fully retiring. He and Judi enjoyed traveling, especially during the cold Colorado winters, to the warm island breezes in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Caribbean. Summer months were spent visiting family from the plains of Kansas to the Oregon coast and North to Alaska. He held his family close, enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter and their adventures together. As his family grew, so did his love. Preceding Merwyn in death are his parents. He is survived by his wife Judi. Three sons: Michael of Greeley, Colorado; Brendan (Linda) of Wichita, Kansas; Brett (Jennifer) of Roseburg, Oregon. Seven grandchildren: Whitney (James) Korotko of Greeley; Jennifer (James) Page of Gallatin, Tennessee; Gavin, Colton and Dawson of Wichita, Kansas; Braden and Elliot of Roseburg, Oregon; and one great-granddaughter, Emery of Greeley.
He is also survived by his brother Byron (Donna) Steinacher of Blanchard, Idaho and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Merwyn celebrated his 75th birthday and he and Judi celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary, both in September. The Lord called on him October 2, 2020 with his family close. Blessings to his hospice team as each one walked, ran, laughed and cared for Merwyn through his final journey with us. In lieu of flowers, his family requests contributions in his name to Elevation Hospice, 80 Garden Center, Suite 108, Broomfield, Colorado 80020
