Mervin Synhorst

Mervin Paul Synhorst, 70, died Tuesday, March 15, 2022, following a very sudden and short fight with cancer.

He was born in Sioux Falls, SD, he was the son of the late Gordon and Elaine Synhorst.

He moved all over South Dakota and Kansas growing up, but he graduated from Sturgis High School in 1970 and then went on to graduate from Evangel College, where he majored in Biology, in 1974. He then went on to complete his masters at South Dakota State University, also in Biology.

Merv was a self-employed photographer for well over thirty years. He was also a very successful businessman, and he owned several Taco John’s restaurants back in Nebraska and Wyoming.

He met Martha Tuttle at a wedding in June of 1984. He went home that night and told his parents that he had met the woman he was going to marry. By November they were married and had Carter in 1987. Due to Martha’s asthma, they relocated from Lincoln, Nebraska to Cedaredge, Colorado in December of 1989. After a brief stint working for Camp Cedaredge, Merv and Martha opened up Synhorst Photography.

He was always involved with his local church and was known for his abundant kindness.

Merv was an avid outdoorsman and proficient woodworker. During his younger years he was an all conference football player throughout high school. He even received a scholarship to play at the University of South Dakota after high school, but he chose to honor his parents request and attend a Christian college. He grew up hunting and fishing on the plains and then transferred his love to the lakes and forests of the Grand Mesa. If he wasn't hunting, he was taking pictures of the scenery and landscapes.

He was known for his incredible work ethic and quiet personality. He was very kind and friendly to everyone, and his faith always shown through. He kept his faith until his final day, and he was excited to go spend eternity with the Lord.

Merv was preceded in death by both of his parents, Gordon and Elaine.

Merv is survived by his wife Martha, their son Carter, daughter in law Becca, and two sweet grandchildren Grace and Logan. He is also survived by two sisters. His older sister Ruth (Gary) Kirchoff of Mulberry, FL., and a younger sister Lynae Arnold of Albuquerque, NM.

Contributions in his name can be made to Operation Blessing, an organization that funds water well programs in Africa and was near to Merv and Martha’s heart at operationblessing.org

Services have been entrusted to Browns Cremation and Funeral Services.