Marlyn I. Crider

Marlyn Irene Crider (Strack) of Erie, Colorado, died August 23, 2018, at Boulder Community Hospital. Marlyn was born April 17, 1945, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Marvin H. and Linda E. Strack, who preceded her in death. She was infant baptized into the Lutheran church in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Marlyn and her family moved to Denver, Colorado when she was 6 years old. Childhood was spent living in Denver and in Red Feather Lakes. Early education included Faith Lutheran School and a one room school house in Red Feather Lakes. Marlyn graduated valedictorian from Denver Lutheran High School in 1963. She attended Colorado State Teacher’s College in Greeley, Colorado (now University of Northern Colorado), was vice president of the Sigma Kappa sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education in 1967.

Marlyn met Elmer Crider in college. Elmer was missing classes due to traveling with the wrestling team, so when their cellular biology professor publicly posted the student’s names and grades Elmer realized the attractive woman, Marlyn, was at the top of the grade list. He sought her out for studying assistance, to which she agreed.

After graduation, Marlyn and Elmer were married June 10, 1967. Marlyn taught one year of science at West Junior High School in Colorado Springs before moving to Lafayette, Colorado to help operate her father’s plastics business, Strack Plastics. Marlyn and Elmer purchased land in Broomfield, Colorado where they lived for 37 years, enjoying the ranching lifestyle and raising a family.

Marlyn and Elmer joined Shepherd of the Valley, Ev. Lutheran Church in Westminster, Colorado in 1976. Marlyn was a substitute teacher at the church school, taught art classes, and helped begin the Wednesday hot lunch program in which she will be remembered by many students for her spaghetti. She also assisted in the church office, volunteered as Sunday School secretary for over 20 years, sang in the choir, and served over 25 years as a regional and national director for Lutheran Girl Pioneers.

In addition to running Strack Plastics, Marlyn found the best combination of her talents as Administrative Manager for TDA Research in Golden, Colorado, working among brilliant Ph.D.’s in science and handling the government contracts associated with their projects. Marlyn worked at TDA for 17 years.

Marlyn and Elmer moved to Erie, Colorado in 2010 as a step towards retirement, allowing for more travel, reading, golf and enjoyment of God’s beautiful creation.

Marlyn battled with breast cancer since 1995. After she went into remission, she looked at each day as a gift and lived life to the fullest. When her cancer came back in 2013 she never complained but approached every day with grace and courage.

Survivors include husband, Elmer E.; daughter, Jane K. Olsen (Andy) of Spooner, Wisconsin; son Matthew D. (Brent Colliver) of Castle Pines, Colorado; sister, Lynette Messick of Sun Lakes, Arizona; grandsons Ben M. Olsen and Zack S. Olsen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marlyn’s name to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 8997 West 88th Avenue Westminster, Colorado 80021 and/or Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School 2300 West 90th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80260.

Fond memories of Marlyn and expressions of sympathy for her family may be shared at the guest book below.