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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
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James Kerschen Obituary
May 12, 1934 - September 22, 2025
Goddard, Kansas - James John Kerschen, age 91, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025 surrounded by his family. James was born to Nicholas and Johanna (Geiger) Kerschen on May 12, 1934. James and Mary Sylvia Ayers were married August 10, 1963 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Modesto, CA. James was a retired brick mason and farmer. He was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) since 1961, for which he served as minister for many years. James is preceded in death by his parents, brother Eugene, and brother in-law John Wilhite. He is survived by: wife Mary Sylvia (Ayers) Kerschen; brother and sisters: Corene Wilhite of Eufaula, OK, Robert (Jeanette) of Cunningham, and Verna (Ken) Papotta of Simi Valley, CA; children, Tom (Karen) of Cunningham, Margaret (Dan) Taylor-Smith of Grove, OK, John (Blanca) of Commerce City, CO, Denise (Joe) Richey of Colwich, Steve (Charo) of Wichita, Rita of Colwich, Niel (Laura) of Andover, David (Tina) of Lee's Summit, MO, Helene (Dana) Rausch of Shawnee; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Rosary/Vigil will be at 5pm, Sunday, September 28 and the Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am, Monday, September 29 BOTH at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Clonmel. In lieu of flowers, Memorials: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church – Building Fund, 18630 W. 71st St. S, Viola, KS 67149 OR Monastery of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Joseph, 631 Griffin Pond Road, S. Abington Twp, PA 18411. There will be a Secular Franciscan Order wake service following the Rosary.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Kerschen
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3 Entries
Sr. Mary Catherine Blanding IHM
September 28, 2025
As a current spiritual assistant of the St. Anthony Fraternity, I have only heard stories of Jim. St. Anthony Fraternity is one of the most flourishing fraternities in the Region and I believe it is the way he and his wife Sylvia remained faithful to the Church in a time of confusion. I am grateful to Jim to help in some small way this Fraternity, which speaks of peace, fidelity to St. Francis and the Church Francis loved. Tribute to a loyal man. My condolences to Sylvia especially. a loyal and loving wife.
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Donna (Martinson) Hughes
September 25, 2025
Rita, John, and Steve - I think of you often when I reflect on life in Intensive English. I'm sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My dad passed away last week, too, so I can truly empathize with you. I'm sure your dad must have been a wonderful father, because he raised some really great children!
Chris Shults
September 25, 2025
"Jimmy" Kerschen my very first philosophy teacher. The summer of 1968 at a house under construction west of Maize he began work with his brother Bob. I was working for Bob as a summer laborer. Jimmy was a source of wisdom concerning life, how one handles the ups and downs and what is the ultimate reward for a job well done.
As a rambunctious teenager hearing from a man who pondered the higher meaning of one's existence was a transformation. I am a better person having known Jimmy for those few months.
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Webb-Shinkle Mortuary - Clearwater200 S. Tracy P.O. Box 325, Clearwater, KS 67026
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