Jean Ann Lanser Gerkins

URBANDALE, Iowa — Jean Ann Lanser Gerkins, 87, Urbandale, Iowa, died July 6, 2018, at Glen Oaks Alzheimer Care Center in Urbandale, Iowa.
Visitation will be July 11, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., followed by a recitation of the rosary, at Johnson Funeral Home, Randolph.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., July 12, at Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph, followed by burial at the Rose Hill Cemetery, rural McLean.
Jean was born May 16, 1931, in Ponca, to Norbert and Hazel (Reilly) Lanser. She attended elementary schools at Martinsburg and Hartington before transferring to St. Frances Catholic School, Randolph, when she was in the fifth grade. She completed her school years there, graduating in 1950.
Jean married Merle F. Gerkins Aug. 29, 1950, at Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph. They lived on a farm southwest of Randolph, where she kept large vegetable and flower gardens, and was always ready to help with any farm chore. She and Merle developed extensive Christmas displays on the farm that brought many out during the holiday season.
Jean was well-known for her creative skills, which she lent to many community events and groups, as well as creating gifts for her children, grandchildren and friends. She was an avid quilter and needle pointer, enjoyed collecting antiques, and participating in the social activities at the Randolph Senior Center. She was an active leader in scouting and 4-H, the local extension club, the Red Hat Society and church groups.
Jean is survived by six children, a son, Roy (Camille Conley) Gerkins, Randolph; and five daughters, Cheryl Gerkins, Lincoln; Dal (Michael) Grooms, Des Moines, Iowa; Lori (Neil) Gothier, Blair; Dawn (Jerry) Doherty, Norfolk; and Kelly (Khaled) Al-Hadid, Amman, Jordan; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; an infant brother; husband, Merle; and dear cousin, Johnny Lange, whom she considered a brother.
Memorials in Jean’s name may be directed to the Friends of the Lied Randolph Public Library, P.O. Box 307, Randolph, NE 68771.