Frank Charles Mersmann

 Frank Charles Mersmann, 95, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at Peterson’s Assisted Living in Osage City, Kansas.

 He was born June 22, 1929 on a small farm one mile East of Richmond, Kansas, the son of Fred and Regina Lickteig Mersmann. Frank attended elementary classes at the Silverdale District 68 School, a one room school about two blocks from their farm. He later attended Richmond Rural High school and graduated with the Class of 1947.

 Growing up on a farm during the 1930’s drought years offered Frank many opportunities to explore his world through the eyes of a child. As the farm pond dried up he set out to rescue as many fish as possible. He scooped up the small fish that were trapped in the last remaining puddle and placed them into the cistern near the barn. When the rains again filled the pond he caught each fish using a pole and bait and returned them to the pond, however not until falling into the cistern and having to be rescued by mother and older sister Margaret. 

 After graduating from High School, Frank worked for various farmers until he received his draft notice. His employer offered to get Frank a deferment as an essential farm worker but he declined and proudly entered the United States Army in January 1951. After completing Officer Training at Ft. Knox, Frank received his commission and was assigned to the 76th Tank Battalion of the 11th Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He was promoted to Battalion Adjutant prior to his release from active duty in November of 1953.

 Following his military service, Frank took a position at the ATSF Depot in Welda where he met the love of his life, Margie Marie Nichols. After a long courtship the two were married on May 4, 1957 in Ottawa. They began their lives together living in Ottawa where they welcomed their first child Christina. After moving to Richmond they welcomed their second child, Patrick. Frank built enough seniority to take a position in Osage City in 1960. Soon after moving to Osage City, they welcomed their third child, Douglas. 

 Frank ran for a position on the Osage City Council, winning a 4-year term and also served on the USD 420 School Board. They also welcomed their fourth child Roger. He decided to take a position as a Multiline Insurance agent for the Osage County Farm Bureau Insurance Agency. He was later promoted to Agency Manager and Claims Adjustor. After purchasing 17 acres in the northeast part of Osage City they welcomed their fifth child, Scott.. Frank and Margie eventually built a new home to accommodate their growing family. Frank retired from Farm Bureau after 30 years and won election as Osage County Commissioner and served 9 years. He also served on the board for ECKAN and ECKAAA both of Ottawa.

 Frank will live on in the hearts and memories of his daughter, Christina (Tom) Flyntz of Scranton; sons, Patrick (Laurie) Mersmann of Scranton, Douglas (Denise) Mersmann of Olathe, Roger (Marion) Mersmann of Osage City and Scott (Tina) Mersmann of Baldwin City, Kansas; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Cloe (Gene) Monroe of Phoenix, Arizona; Three brothers, Larry Mersmann of Walnut Creek, California, James Mersmann of Birmingham, Alabama and Mark Mersmann of St. Louis, Missouri. Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margie; a sister, Margaret Armstrong and two brothers, Ivo and Clyde Mersmann.

 The Rosary will be recited at 4:00 P.M., Sunday, December 29, 2024 at St. Patrick's Cathoilc Church in Osage City. The family invites friends to visit and share memories following the rosary at the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. 6th Street, Osage City, Kansas 66523.  The full obituary will be released in the coming days.