MCCRACKEN — Merle Jean Oelkers, 93, of rural McCracken, Kan., passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Jean was born on Sept. 6, 1932, to Francis and Merle Hardwick of Rush County. She lived in rural McCracken most of her life, leaving only to attend York College in Nebraska. On Aug. 1, 1952, she married the love of her life, Erman Oelkers. Together they worked on the family farm and raised two children, Galen and Shelley. Once her children started school, Jean began working at Renberger’s Jewelry Store in La Crosse, eventually going on to purchase the business.
Jean was a devoted Christian woman and a faithful member of First Christian Church in La Crosse. She lived out her faith through service, with her strength and compassion evident in her volunteer efforts at many county events and activities. She could often be found volunteering at A Second Chance, the Historical Society, or the Rush County Fair. She also found great happiness in staying active and connected through social committees such as Prairie Pals, ProArt, and the Walnut Valley Senior Center, where she formed many meaningful friendships.
Her life was enriched by numerous hobbies. In their younger years, Erman and Jean found joy in square dancing and bowling together. Saturday nights were often spent enjoying card parties with some of their closest friends. Jean had a deep love for music and shared her gift of song by singing in the Cantata and the Sunday church choir, always using her talents in worship of the Lord. She was an excellent seamstress and an even better cook, especially known for making the very best pancakes for her grandchildren and her wonderful pies.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Merle Hardwick; her brother, Billy Hardwick; her sister, Jo Ann Neidenthal; and her son-in-law, Dr. Robert ‘Bob’ Keener. Jean is survived by her brother, Richard Hardwick; her children, Galen Oelkers and Dr. Shelley Oelkers; her grandchildren, Dyan Axman (Tony), Caroline Oelkers, Virginia Oelkers, and Lillian Oelkers; and her great-grandchildren, Raelyn and Rylie Axman.
Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at Janousek Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, at Janousek Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to A Second Chance, the Walnut Valley Senior Center, or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Janousek Funeral Home
719 Pine Street
LaCrosse, KS 67548
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2026
