Merle Vostatek Obituary

Merle M. Vostatek December 19, 1914 - February 19, 2006 Merle Vostatek, 91, of Mesa, Colorado, passed away Sunday, February 19, surrounded by family at his daughter's Grand Junction residence. Merle was born to Adolph and Anna Vostatek in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and the Czech language was spoken in the home. On February 19, 1944, he married Marie Wasko, also of Cleveland. It is interesting to note he was born on the 19th, married on the 19th and passed away on his anniversary, the 19th. When his duty as a machinist in manufacturing for the war effort came to an end in 1945 and following a spiritual calling, Merle and Marie moved to North Salt Lake, Utah. Brave soul that she was, Marie left a close-knit and loving family in Cleveland to join with Merle in an affiliative group that practiced a peaceful way of life based on the teachings of the Bible Oahspe. Their first child, Carl (wife Tanya) of Clifton was born in 1945 prior to their leaving Cleveland. They moved in 1946 to a peach farm in the Clifton area. Merle attempted to make a living as a peach grower, but he had to take up other work. He found employment in an electric motor repair shop. Merle and a partner purchased the business which became Roberts Electric, and operated it until the 1960's. Merle was not only an expert machinist, but was a master-of-all trades! He retired to his ranch in Mesa and kept busy with his organic garden, woodworking (he made guitars and other musical instruments), ham radio, welding, and fabricating whatever was needed, and spiritual writings. At one time, he and his brother, Frank, owned a Mooney airplane that he enjoyed flying. He also enjoyed playing the harmonica and guitar and looked forward to a time when mankind led a more harmonious existence on the Earth. His daughters, Anita Hagman of Grand Junction and Debra Saunkeah (husband Russell) of Colorado Springs, were born in 1948 and 1953 respectfully. His wife Marie passed away in 1959 and Merle never remarried. Merle is survived by two brothers, Frank Vostatek of Palisade and Henry Vostatek of Cleveland, and three sisters,, Florence Leonardsen of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, and Helen Healey and Emily Daugherty from the Los Angeles area, and several nieces and nephews. He was happy with his six grandchildren; Tasha Hagman of Clifton, Karli Goodman (husband Doug) of Boise, Idaho, Debra Hagman of Grand Junction, Jeremie (wife Andrea) Rowland of Grand Junction, Ahdena Clark of Salt Lake City, and Ali Vostatek of Panama City, Florida, as well as four great-grandchildren, Jenidy Clymer, Kaleib Clymer, Devon Rowland, and Chance Turner of Grand Junction. Cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration of his life will be held at Flowing Creek on the Grand Mesa on Father's Day, June 18. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 60307, Grand Junction, CO, 81506. Arrangements have been entrusted to Snell McLean Funeral Home, Inc.