Joan M. Schlagel

After a courageous five year battle with cancer and years of health issues, Joan peacefully entered heaven. Joan was a very devoted Catholic and loved the Blessed Mother dearly.

Joan traveled many times to Medjugorje, Bosnia, where she had experienced profound spiritual peace and God's loving grace. She was so very grateful for these experiences. To our surprise, when Father Jim was giving Joan her last rights, he mentioned that is was the Blessed Mother's birthday that day on the 8th! What a miracle from God, in which Joan would have been so happy to cross over to heaven on this day. We are so thankful.

Joan was preceded in death by her father, Frank Merriam and brother Eddie Merriam. She is also preceded in death by father-in-law, Harry Schlagel; mother-in-law, Betty Schlagel; and sister-in-law, Jennifer Schlagel. All of whom she loved dearly.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, John; brother-in-law, Paul Schlagel and wife Vicki; brother-in-law, Keith Schlagel and wife Sue; and brother-in-law, Bruce Schlagel. She is also survived by her sister Annette Merriam; sister, Pauline Johnson and husband Bob; sister, Patricia Merriam; brother, Wayne Merriam; mother, Anna Mae Merriam, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and "adopted" son Jeff Anderson and wife Shilo. Also many countless friends, and you know who you are.

We thank you for the kindness and love you gave to Joan during these hard times. Another big thank you to our precious hospice nurse, Prescilla, whom we adore and love for the utmost care and love Joan received from her.

Joan requested not to have funeral services. A private burial will take place at the Niwot Cemetery at a later date. Cremation is entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.

Any donations can be made in Joan's name to the St. Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Schlagel family.

Afterglow

I'd like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing

times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun;

Of happy memories that I

leave when life is done.