Merlyn Harvey Mews

Merlyn Harvey Mews (Da Squirrel), 86, of Boise, passed away on May 17, 2025. Joining his daughter Maria Lynn Mews, who sadly passed away in 1984.
Merl was born on June 6, 1938, in Hartford, South Dakota to Olive & Harvey Mews. He was the oldest of three children including sister Nila and brother Danny. Merl graduated from Colton High School where he was highly active in sports and various clubs. He went on to receive his BS degree in Agriculture and Landscape Architecture from SDSU, Brookings and did postgraduate coursework at the University of Utah in Logan.
Merl worked as a lineman for Sioux Valley Electric before being hired with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in 1968. He started as a Park Technician (the precursor to Assistant Manager) at Farragut State Park in northern Idaho. Within a couple of years, he moved into the planning & development section in Boise. He worked as the Bureau Chief of Planning and Development for many years and oversaw much of the construction within the parks during the formative years. He loved his job but decided to turn the page to next life chapter and retired in 2001.
Merl married Rose Mary Spielmann June 28, 1968, at St Josephs Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD. After getting married, Merl and Rosie moved to Idaho from South Dakota due to Merls job with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Both of their daughters, Midge Ann and Maria Lynn, were born in Boise, Idaho. Merl was a devoted husband & father, avid outdoorsman in his earlier years and an enthusiastic golfer in his later years. Merl was an active member of the Masonic Family starting as a Mason then becoming a Shriner and a member of the Scottish Rite. Merl made many friends across the state and cherished every friendship. He loved his job and utilizing the state parks he helped to develop. He was a problem-solver around the house and loved keeping his garden, flower beds & lawn looking great.
Merl is survived by his wife, Rose Mary Mews (Spielmann), his daughter, Midge Kline (Mews), his grandchildren, Mikayla (Kline) & Yanni Panacopoulos, Hayden & Josie (Simpson) Kline, and Tawny Kline, great grandchildren Odyn Panacopoulos & Gatlin Kline, Sister Nila France (Mews) and sister-in-law Margo Mews.
A funeral service will be held at Cloverdale Funeral Home on June 20th at 10:30 followed by a reception and a graveside tribute. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Shriners Hospital for Children or a charity of your choice.