Marlin D Spellmeyer

Marlin D. Spellmeyer, 85, of Ogallala, Nebraska, began his journey with the Lord on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. He passed away surrounded by loved ones at Rocky Mountain Assisted Living in Centennial, Colorado.

Marlin was born November 24, 1938, in Elm Creek, Nebraska to Kenneth and Helen (Cepel) Spellmeyer.  He graduated in 1956 from Elm Creek High School and received his undergraduate degree from Kearney State Teachers College in 1960.  Marlin married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Jilg on August 24, 1958. They moved to California where Marlin attended Pepperdine University and earned his Master’s Degree in Education.  He and Mary Ann were blessed with 2 children, Kenneth and Tiffany.  Mary Ann preceded him in death in 1974.  Marlin met and married Jackie Knight and blended their families, making their home in Huntington Beach, California until 1979 when Marlin accepted the principal position at Ogallala Junior High School.  He was instrumental in the transition of the Ogallala Junior High School (grades 7-9) to the Ogallala Middle School (grades 6-8).  He then proceeded to lead efforts with other educational professionals in Nebraska to form the Nebraska Association for Middle-Level Education (NAMLE), an organization dedicated to a better understanding of the educational needs of the young adolescent, and the growth of middle-level education throughout the State of Nebraska. His work in and passion for middle-level education earned him the honor of the NSASSP’s Middle School Principal of the Year, awarded to him in 2000, as well as the NSASSP Distinguished Service award, awarded to him in 2002.

When Marlin was not dedicating his time to his profession, he found great joy in using his beautiful singing voice and talents to call square and round dances. He was well-known throughout the central and mid-western region for his smooth voice and calling techniques, oftentimes sharing the stage and harmonizing with his wife Jackie, a unique niche in the industry. For 33 years, he took pride in assisting with his wife Jackie’s operation of the traveling retail apparel shop, J&M Square Dance Apparel. He very much treasured the long-time friendships gained and fun times spent with fellow square dancers and square dance callers alike.

Marlin’s hobbies centered around square and round dancing, square dance calling, traveling with the square dance shop, camping, Nebraska athletics, and searching for antiques at auctions and antique shops wherever he and Jackie’s travels would take them. His later years found him watching and enjoying Nebraska football, volleyball, and basketball. As a huge fan of the Colorado Rockies baseball, he wouldn’t miss a game unless untelevised. In August 2023 his wish to attend a Colorado Rockies game was granted, thanks to the Colorado chapter of the Twilight Wish Foundation. Honoring Marlin for his work in education and many years of service as a middle school principal, the Foundation made it possible for Marlin and his family and caretakers to attend the Chicago White Sox game at the Rockies’ stadium.

Preceded in death by his parents, first wife Mary Ann Spellmeyer, second wife Jackie Spellmeyer in 2019, and an infant brother Kenneth Jr.  Marlin is survived by son Kenneth (Debra) Spellmeyer of Broomfield, CO, daughter Tiffany DiMartino of Englewood, CO, granddaughters Kylee (Aaron) Schoen of Filley, NE, and Cassandra (Derrick) Wells of Alliance, NE, 2 great-grandchildren Kenley and Kace Schoen, step-daughter Gayle Griffin of Pueblo, CO, step-son John Bardeen of Bull Shoals, AR, 2 step-grandchildren Ashleigh Griffin and MSgt Michael “Kaleb” (Jessica) Griffin, USAF, 5 great step-grandchildren Bianca, Eric, Catarina, Tyler and Winnie Griffin, sister Mavis Tvrdy of Ralston, NE, and nieces and nephews.

A register book signing with the family will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, NE.

Memorial Services for Marlin will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the New Hope Church, in Ogallala, NE with Optimal Hospice Care Chaplain Steve Heese officiating.

Inurnment of Cremains is set for a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Ogallala Public Schools Foundation.

Online condolences may be left by clicking the Share a Memory or the Tribute Wall Button by going to www.drauckerfh.com.

Services will be live-streamed at www.drauckerfh.com

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala has been entrusted with arrangements

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