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.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday August 27th at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 1244 Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206. There will be a visitation at 6:00 and rosary at 7:00 on Monday evening August 26th at Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207. 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.
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was a true gentleman. I loved dancing with him. Hugs and prayers to Joan and family.
A man that I always looked up to. Still do. Thanks Uncle Norbert. Good Scipio stock!
If the Oxford English Dictionary ever produces an illustrated edition, I’m pretty sure on the page defining “gentleman” will be a picture of my Uncle Norbert. The first time I remember seeing him as a child was on the day he and Aunt Joan were married. As a little nipper the thing that fascinated me the most was the prank wedding gift that some of his friends, possibly including some of his brothers-in-law, had presented to him. Everyone was lounging around and partying as the Rockers always did every time they got an opportunity. Centerpiece at the vortex of the celebration was a little child’s potty chair with a tubular molded piece of crunchy peanut butter down in the bowl. Norbert just smiled and let the guys have their fun, just about the coolest man I ever knew. Seemed like hardly anything bothered him much. When I worked in Wichita and needed some stress relief, I would gravitate to Joan and Norbert, always an beacon of love and family time for a young man away from home. I will truly miss him.
So sad! I am just learning of Norberts passing. My mother, Lou Sevart, wanted me to find some of her old friends. Mama is back in the hospital and it’s likely going to be her last place of residence. Years ago I worked in Norbert store while I was very pregnant. Norbert was great friends of my parents. I always wished there were more Norberts in the world. I’m very sorry for the Merman clan. I pray you find solace in your memories of Norbert. Joanie and Norber were my daughter’s god-parents by proxy. Rest in peace, my friend! Rest in peace, my friend! Rest in peace, my friend! Thank You, God, for placing Norbert in my life.
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