Obituary

Mervin J. Deschner

Obituary

Mervin J. Deschner died peacefully at Newton Medical Center surrounded by family on March 25, 2016, in Newton at the age of 85.

Mervin is survived by his wife Marge, son Chris Deschner (Leslie), daughter Sheri Gronau (Gary), granddaughter Ashley Campbell (Shane), grandsons Cody Gronau (Jessica), Brant Deschner (Tracey), Brody Deschner (Ava), two great-grandchildren; Brielle Deschner and Briggs Campbell; four step grandsons; Chris Boyle (Jamie), Kai Starwalt (Madison), Justin Biehler and Steven Biehler; and step great-grandson Easton Scheffler. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Gladys Deschner and brother Norval Deschner.

Mervin was born on May 4th, 1930, in Newton to John and Gladys (Mead) Deschner. He graduated from Newton High School in 1948. He was then drafted into the Army and served two years, and spent nine months in Korea during the Korean War. After his father passed away, he came back to help manage the farm. On September 1st, 1961, he married Marge Dole at Salem United Methodist Church.

Mervin enjoyed spending time with family and friends and knew no stranger. He was an avid bike rider and loved going into Dillons to visit with everyone. He was also involved in many organizations during his life and received many awards. Some of those include; 11 years of 4-H and was a national winner, five years in FFA and was a national winner, six years Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Chairman for four years, four years chairman Harvey County Extension Service, two terms on Federal Housing Administrative Board, four years on district 42 school board, two terms on Co-op Board of Directors, four years Chairman of Farm Bureau leaders committee (state level), two terms on Farm Bureau program of work committee (state level), 60 years Farm Bureau member, Lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and Masonic Lodge, was named Farm Bureau leader of the year, and was a member of Post 123 explorer scouts three years. Mervin and his son Chris went on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in June 2014.

A private burial for family will take place at Eastlawn Cemetery in Zimmerdale. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 2 p.m. April 9 at Whitesell-Finells VFW in Newton. All are welcome to attend and celebrate and a light meal will be served. Casual dress. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Mervin's memory to Kansas Honor Flight, PO Box 2371, Hutchinson, KS 67504.