Iona Eleanore Oberzan

Iona Eleanore (Mersman) Oberzan, 93, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 25, 2023.  She was born in Richmond, KS to Christopher and Ida (Brummel) Mersman on December 17, 1930, the youngest of eight children.  She attended school in Richmond, Scipio, and Greeley, KS and married Edward M. Oberzan in 1950, raising seven children.  After the children were all in school, she worked as a bookkeeper at the VFW Headquarters in KCMO and retired from there in the 1990’s. 

Iona’s hobbies included sewing, crafting, painting, playing cards, traveling, gathering with friends, and dancing.  Iona loved to dance to all types of music, but especially polka music.  She was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Red Hat Society, and Don Lipovac Polka Booster Club.

Iona was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, and seven siblings:  Lorraine, Velma, Virgil, Norbert, Berneda, Leon, and Elverna.  She is survived by her children:  Robert Oberzan (Terri), Mary Bader (Gary), Karen Lohkamp (Tom), Diane Jacobson (Paul), Nancy McCool (William), Linda Oberzan (Ray Demes), and Patricia Oberzan; 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on Friday, January 5^th from 4:30-6:30pm at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park.  Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 6^th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 12800 W. 75^th Street, Shawnee.  Burial will follow at Terrace Park Cemetery, 801 NW 108^th St, KCMO.  A reception will follow the burial services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association.