Merle Lee (Punky) Nussbaum

Merle Lee (Punky) Nussbaum age 71, a resident of Colorado Springs and formerly of North Dakota passed away on September 16, 2014 at his home in Colorado Springs. Punky was born on March 20, 1943 in Drake, North Dakota to the late Henry and Julia (Larson) Nussbaum. He was the youngest of 12 children and moved with his family to Colorado Springs in 1955. He was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Drake, North Dakota. He graduated from Harrison High School in Colorado Springs and was a member of the wrestling team. He served in the US Army from 1964 to 1966 as a 51M20 firefighter. He was honorably discharged with the rank of SP4. Punky worked for the Colorado Springs Utilities Electric and for the past 30 years was a devoted caregiver to his sisters Carol, Eppie, and Marion. Punky had a love of horses and was active in the Colorado Springs Team Roping Community. Punky had a love for life, good food, his horse Cashie and his family.

Punky is survived by his sisters Helen Wykcoff of Colorado Springs, Jeanette Elam of Palm Springs, California, Marion Nussbaum of Colorado Springs and Arlie (husband Don) Warembourg of Frederick, Colorado. His brothers Dennis (Butch) Nussbaum of Iowa and Gary (Tony) (Wife Wilda) Nussbaum of Colorado Springs and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters Carol Nussbaum, Evelyn Nussbaum, Doris Ann White, Dorla Boisselle, and infant brother Vernon Nussbaum.

Visitation will be held on Friday September 26, 2014 at Swan Law Funeral Directors from 5pm to 7pm.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday September 27, 2014 at 1 pm at Swan Law Funeral Directors followed by interment at Monument Cemetery. .