Rev. Merlyn Hartzler Obituary

Rev. Merlyn D. Hartzler, 85, was born on November 4, 1940, in Jackson, Minnesota, to Lillian and Vernon Hartzler. Merlyn passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, after a nine-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Merlyn devoted his life to faith, family, and service, living out his calling with quiet strength and compassion. He spent most of his career serving as a chaplain at Lutheran Medical Center, where he offered comfort, guidance, and prayer to patients, families, and staff during some of life’s most difficult moments.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Marlys Hartzler, whom he was widowed by, and a steady presence to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Vernon Hartzler; his wife, Marlys; his siblings, Carole (Rev. David) Fechner and Larry (Vonnie) Hartzler; and his grandson, Blayne Phillips.

Merlyn is survived by his children: Mitch (Neva) Hartzler, Molly Ann Hartzler, and Matt (Stacy) Hartzler. He was a grandfather to Blayne (Anna), Austin, Lucas, Cooper, and Aiden, and a great-grandfather to Robbie. He is also survived by his brother, Kent Hartzler.

Rev. Hartzler will be remembered for his deep faith, his dedication to his family, and the steady kindness he extended to those around him. His legacy lives on through the generations he loved so dearly and the lives he touched throughout his ministry and beyond.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Glory of God Lutheran Church, 12200 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Dinner will follow immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Haitian Timoun Foundation or Alzheimer’s disease research.