Gladys Joan Kerschen

Gladys Joan Kerschen, 94, passed away on February 16, 2026 at her home in Wellington, Kansas. Born to Carl and Mae (Ohnemiller) Becker on December 23, 1931, in Schulte, Kansas, Gladys was a beacon of wit, creativity, dedication, and reliability. She grew up in Schulte and married Walter J. Kerschen at St. Peter Catholic Church in Schulte on April 18, 1950. Following the wedding, the happy couple made their home in Peck, Kansas. She was a homemaker by profession, but her talents reached far beyond the walls of her home. Gladys was an avid reader, a painter, a ceramicist, a seamstress, and a lover of all trendy crafts. She also volunteered at the Mission Thrift Shop, bringing joy and comfort to those around her.

Gladys was a woman of strong faith and had a deep dedication to her church and her daily prayer life. She was a reliable presence in the lives of those she loved. Her family was of the utmost importance to her, and she nurtured those relationships with great care. Gladys loved sports, especially watching the Kentucky Derby and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and K-State Football. She was blessed to have the opportunity to travel to California, Hawaii and Mexico, with Hawaii holding a special place in her heart.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Carla Whaley and husband Joe of Goddard; daughter, Cheryl Bethel and husband Mark of Wichita; son, Kurt Kerschen and wife Brandi of Peck; brother, Charles Becker of Wichita; grandchildren: Jená Anderson and Noal, John Whaley and Stephanie, Chelsea Bethel, Ashton Bethel and fiance Chris Reazin, Kinsley Holtz and Colton, Kade Kerschen and Nyssa; Orian Brown and Taylor; and her great-grandchildren: Jacob Anderson Nick Anderson, Zack Anderson, Jackson Whaley, Jenna Whaley, Jameson Whaley, Jillian Whaley, Emery Spears, Hadalyn Holtz, Halden Holtz, and Beau Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mae Becker; husband, Walter J. Kerschen; son, Kent Michael Kerschen; and a sister, Charlotte Ringer.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2026 at St. Anthony St. Rose Catholic Church in Wellington. Immediately following the Rosary, a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am CST at the same location. Interment will follow at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas.

Memorial donations can be given in Gladys's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

In remembrance of Gladys, we invite you to share a memory, leave condolences, or sign her digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being made by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.