Susan Merline

Longtime resident of Colorado Susan Ruth Merline left this earth for her next adventure on May 1, 2020.

She is survived by Jeffry Enderle, her soul mate and partner for 35 years in Wheat Ridge, Colo.; her mother Barbara Ann (Schmit) Bichler of Port Washington, Wis.; and “her tribe” of six siblings, Douglas and Virginia Bichler and Mary and Mike Van Pietersom (Port Washington),  Patrick Bichler (Eagle River), Lisa Hansen (Crivitz), Julie and Steve Plier (Fredonia) and Kay Millonzi (Black Earth); dear friend and stepmom Cherie Pizzoferrato (Menomonee Falls); 15 nieces and nephews;  plus 13 great-nieces and nephews; and her Colorado family, David and Anne Enderle and Cassidy, Leigh and Kenny Longmire; neighbors and friends.

Susan was preceded in death by grandparents Cecilia and John L. Schmit and Veronica and Charles Bichler and her father James J. Bichler.

Susan was born at Fort Riley, Kan., and grew up in Green Bay, Wis., attending St. Joseph’s Academy prior to moving with her family to Minocqua, Wis., for her senior year at Lakeland High School.  

Susan studied business at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire until marrying her high school sweetheart, Jim Merline, at St. Peter of Alcantara Church in Port Washington, Wis., in 1976.  

Susan worked for 1st Northern Bank in Green Bay, Wis., and after vacationing in Colorado, chose to move west to enjoy the beauty of the mountains in 1982. After the marriage ended in 1986, she remained in Colorado, establishing a career as a real estate appraiser.  

Susan loved camping, hiking and especially skiing in the Rockies. She enjoyed planning and traveling with her partner Jeff on hunting trips as well as vacationing in the South Pacific. Susan retired in 2005 and they became “professional campers,” enjoying the beauty of the western states and Canada, and took several trips to upstate New York.

Susan remained in contact with her family and childhood friends, visiting Wisconsin, only in the summer while inviting everyone to come visit her in Colorado.  She patiently taught them how to ski “real mountains.”  

As the oldest of seven, she was adept at organizing events and encouraging those she loved to pursue their life goals. Susan was an active member of her local book club and Red Hat Ladies and developed a wide community of friends.

She lived with a positive attitude and true spirituality the past 10 years as she continued to arrange trips around her cancer treatments — Disney trips with her nieces and nephews, traveling to Spain and vacationing in Cancun, Mexico, while enjoying home time with Jeff and their beloved chocolate Labradors.

Susan would encourage donations to the University of Colorado Anschult Medical complex to help others with similar cancers.  Donations can be made in her name at https://giving.cu.edu/fund/general-hematology-fund-blood-diseases-and-di....  

The family would like to thank the incredible medical staff at both Rocky Mountain Health Center and UC Hospital for their care and dedication to all those living with cancer.