Norbert J. Mersman

Norbert J. Mersman, age 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Mesa, AZ on August 22, 2019. He was born in Scipio, KS to Chris and Ida (Brummel) Mersman on September 19, 1923, one of 8 children. After attending a one room schoolhouse, working the family farm and starting a small auto service business, he served in the army during WWII and the Korean War. On April 28, 1952 he was married in nearby Greeley, KS to Joan Mae Rockers, and they moved to Wichita, KS where he worked for Boeing Aircraft for the next 40 years, with short transfers to Orlando, Ft. Worth and Lisbon, Portugal. He led a very busy life outside of Boeing, being active in his church, owning a small business, acquiring and maintaining multiple rental properties and spending time camping and water skiing with family and friends. Upon retiring in 1990, Bert and Joan made a part-time and eventually full-time home in Mesa, AZ where he became an avid golfer and tennis player into his nineties. Bert was known as “the best neighbor you could ever hope to have”.   His helpful presence in his family and community will be fondly remembered. Norbert was preceded in death by his son Chris (1978) and is survived by his wife Joan of 67 years; 4 children Ron (Cheryl), Gayle (Jim) Fenwick, Jeff (Nidia Martinez) and Jon (Stephanie); 11 grandchildren Tyler (Angela) Fenwick, Casey (Ashley) Fenwick, Shannon (Thad) Espy, Lindsey Mersman, Blake Self, Jacob Self, Chris Mersman, Allie (Charles) Lottridge, Jacob Flint, Brandon Flint, Rachelle Flint; 10 great-grandchildren Kyleigha Fenwick, Kayden Fenwick, Kiptyn Fenwick, London Fenwick, Kai Fenwick, Jaxon Henderson, Atlas Espy, Ryan Espy, Nora Lottridge, Charles Lottridge; sister Iona Oberzan. Norbert started out with about 80 nieces and nephews and is survived by most of those. Funeral Services were held in Arizona. Graveside Service will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Calvary Cemetery. We thank you and appreciate your thoughts and prayers, however, instead of flowers, Bert has requested any donations go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN, 38105, PH. 901-595-3300, on behalf of the Mersman family. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.