Merrill Fie

Merrill Robert Fie was born in a small farming community in Little Rock, Iowa on July 3, 1928, to D. Lyle and Minnie L. Fie.  From his humble beginning through hard work and determination, Merrill was able to fulfill his dreams.  As a teenager Merrill had a newspaper route and owned/operated the movie theater in George, Iowa.  Merrill attended the University of Nebraska.  In 1949 Merrill purchased the Culligan Soft Water franchise in Watertown, SD and was one of the youngest Culligan dealers in the nation.  During the Korean Conflict Merrill enlisted in the Navy.  Always an achiever, Merrill graduated first in his Naval class.  After leaving the Navy Merrill purchased the Culligan franchise in South Sioux City, Iowa.  On a fishing trip to Canada Merrill had the good fortune to “catch a big one” – his future wife, Dora Ochitwa.  Dorie was Merrill’s life and business partner for the past 68 years.  Together they built successful companies, travelled the world, gave back to their community and most importantly, loved and raised two daughters.  Merrill was exceedingly proud of his entire family and was a supportive and caring husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Merrill enjoyed attending many piano recitals, dance performances, track meets, baseball, soccer and lacrosse games.

Merrill is survived by his wife, Dorie and daughters Colleen (Bill) Porterfield and Roxanne (Ed) Anderson; along with their children Derek (Ashley) Porterfield and Cooper; Brett (Kenzie) Porterfield; Merrill (Emily) Stillwell and Nora Roxanne; Elizabeth Stillwell; Bridget Anderson; Brady Anderson; Max (Erin) Anderson and Ansel, Elin, Annika; Joe (Molly) Anderson and Rhodes, Emmitt; Kelsey (Jeremy) Herbert and Graham, Thompson.  Merrill is likely playing cards in heaven with his dear siblings, Dave and Lila.  Merrill is survived by his sister Sue (Bob) Ellefson, Marlys Fie, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Merrill and Dorie purchased the local Culligan franchise and moved to Denver with baby Colleen in 1956.  The family grew and their business took off.  In 1967 they became the third owners of Deep Rock Water, a company founded in 1896.  They loved the people in the Five Points area where the water well is located.  Merrill proudly served on the Five Points Business Council.  He took seriously the responsibility that came with his business decisions, and how his decisions impacted their valued employees and their families.  Merrill was a natural leader and used his talents as President to further the mission of the Water Quality Association and International Bottled Water Association.  He invested in several start-up businesses and helped to make them successful.  An avid fisherman, Merrill loved all opportunities to fish, especially at God’s Lake in Canada and Black Lake in Colorado.  He took an active role in many local civic organizations.  Merrill lived by the belief that he wanted to leave the world a better place by helping others.  Merrill and Dorie had many dear friends with whom they shared a lot of Ports of Call travel adventures, dancing and fun card games of bridge, hearts and gin rummy.  Near and dear to Merrill was The Salvation Army.  In December 2022 Merrill commemorated 67 years of ringing bells to raise money for The Salvation Army.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Merrill to The Denver Metro Salvation Army, Augustana Lutheran Church, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, or Colorado Academy.