Melvin Gilbert Spanjer
Nov. 23, 1920 - March 4, 2008

Melvin Spanjer, 87, was called to the Lord on March 4, 2008. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and dedicated hospice nurse. A private family service was held March 5 at the Haxtun Cemetery. Celebrations of his rich and rewarding life will continue as his grandchildren come from Illinois and Wisconsin to pay their respects.

He was born Nov. 23, 1920, in Haxtun.

Melvin attended college at Dodge City, Kan., on a basketball scholarship; however, upon the death of his father, he had to return home to run the family farm for his mother. After his marriage to Vivian Olson in December of 1942, they were happy and successful farming and raising their children in Dailey. The home they built there still stands, as well as the old barn and grainary.

Melvin was on many basketball teams in Sterling in his younger days, helping his team win with his six-foot-two frame and large hands, making all the "long shots." He won numerous awards for "most valuable player" and "sportsmanship." His team at one time played the Harlem Globetrotters on one of their exhibition tours.

From 1966 to 2005, Mel, Vivian and Randy lived in Lakewood and Arvada, where Mel worked for the State High Department while continuing to farm in Dailey. He also played on basketball teams in the Denver area. In his later years, Mel played on several "senior" baseball teams in Mesa, Ariz., where the Spanjers had a winter home. They enjoyed friends there as well as friends at home in Colorado.

Melvin was a "gentle giant," and everyone who new him respected him greatly. He was a saint to his family, especially Randy. Mel and Vivian gave Randy a very normal life as he lived with them for the past 63 years. More recently, the tables were turned as Randy has been a great help to Vivian caring for Mel at home for the past several years.

Melvin was an exceptionally kind and caring friend to all, and will be greatly missed and always cherished in our loving memories.

He is survived by his cherished and devoted wife, Vivian, with whom he shared his life for over 65 years; son, Randall, living at home, and a constant and loving companion to his parents; daughters, Candace Fryrear and husband Max of Haxtun/Paoli and Sandra Anselmo and husband Joseph of Twin Lakes, Wis.; six grandchildren, Jerry, Gary, Melinda, Michael, Lesley and Kelsey; and 10 great-grandchildren, among whom was the youngest, two-year-old Max Hayward, who was a joy to Melvin and to whom Mel spoke his last word, and with a wave of his hand, said "Bye." Mel is also survived by two sisters, Sylvia Spanjer and Eunice Marks and husband Bud, and many nieces and nephews who fondly remember the pony rides up and down the lane at the Spanjer farm. He also has many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, including Gus Gill of Merino, who loved and respected Melvin, and who personally visited Mel in his last days.

Mr. Spanjer was preceded in death by his parents, George and Louise (Brundick) Spanjer; sisters, Melvary Burt and husband Wallace and Eleanor Madding and husband Arthur; and three brothers, Delten, Kenneth and Merlin Spanjer and wife Mary.

Memorials may be sent to Eastern Colorado Services for the Disabled, 617 S. 10th Ave., Sterling, CO 80751.