Merlin Donald Gossman

Merlin Donald Gossman, age 79, of Longmont, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. He was born March 17, 1944 in Lemmon, South Dakota to Samuel and Bernice Gossman. Merlin graduated from Lemmon High School in 1962. He then went on to Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, South Dakota from 1962 to 1963. On June 15, 1968 Merlin married Judith Steele in Okauchee, Wisconsin.

Merlin worked various jobs in New Berlin, Wisconsin before moving to Arizona to own his own business, Abbott Carpet, in 1976. Between the years of 1981 and 2002, he worked for the city of Casa Grande, Arizona as the fleet manager after working his way up from the maintenance department. During this time he owned his own business on the side, Party Time Rentals, renting tables and chairs for a number of years. After retirement, he returned to work for Dadee Mfg. for a number of years selling garbage trucks enabling him and Judy to travel while working.

Merlin enjoyed gardening every year whether in Casa Grande, Arizona or Miami, Arizona. He spent numerous hours following NASCAR and even attended races. Throughout his life he attended many car shows featuring all types of antique cars. He liked cars so much he belonged to the Gold “N” Oldies Car Club from 1980 to 2022. Of all the cars he owned, two were his favorite, a 1967 Buick Skylark convertible and “Old Yellar” his yellow panel truck.

In addition to the car club, Merlin belonged to the B.P.O.E. Casa Grande Elks from 1976 to 2023 and the Masonic Lodge in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Bernice Gossman, brother Dennis Gossman and nephew, David Gossman.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Gossman of Longmont, Colorado; daughter, Brenda (Charlie) Bruce of Longmont, Colorado; brothers, Dann Gossman of Japan and Tim (Jan) Gossman of Lemmon, South Dakota; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime friends.

A memorial service for Merlin will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care, 400 S Power Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85206.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the special Olympics or a charity of your choosing.

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