Jean K. Mersman

Jean K. Mersman, age 70, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2012, at Golden Heights in Garnett, Kansas. She was born March 23, 1942, rural Greeley, Kansas, the daughter of Rex Francis and Mildred Margaret (Miller) Adkinson. Jean grew up in the Greeley area, attending school there until graduating from Greeley High School in 1960. Following school Jean lived in Kansas City working for Kansas City Life Insurance Company. Jean married John N. Mersman on August 22, 1964 at St. John's Catholic Church, Greeley, Kansas. This union was blessed with two children. In 1974 they moved to Garnett, where Jean worked at the Anderson County Courthouse. John and Jean purchased the Conoco gas station at 4th and Maple in 1977. In 1980 they built Mersman Bait and Tackle later known as J&J Sporting on the adjacent lot. Jean operated the bait shop until selling the business in 1999. She then worked as a parts clerk at GEM Farm Center in Garnett. Jean was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Garnett; she was currently serving as President of the Altar Society. While her son and grandchildren attended Holy Angels / St. Rose School Jean volunteered and taught baking classes and worked as the librarian. She enjoyed golfing, playing bingo, and trips to the boats in Kansas City. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, followed by fishing as a close second. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Mildred Adkinson; her husband, John Mersman on March 18, 1990; two brothers, Dale Adkinson and Pat Adkinson; and one sister, Lois Adams. Jean is survived by her son, J.D. Mersman and wife Beth of Garnett, Kansas; daughter, Jodi Steele and husband Robert of Garnett, Kansas; four grandchildren, Jesica Steele, Hannah Steele, Aidan Steele, and Alicia Bell; brother, Don Adkinson and wife Patty of Shawnee, Kansas; sister, Linda Adkinson of Waverly, Kansas; sister-in-law, Doris Adkinson of Richmond, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett. Family will greet friends following a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com