Blanche Zerr

Blanche Elizabeth Zerr, 91, of Grainfield, died Monday, March 7, 2022, at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care, in Quinter, KS. She was born during the dirty thirties, on October 31, 1930, in Hill City, KS, and was the first born of Joseph and Elizabeth (Dinkel) Richmeier. She grew up in St. Peter, KS and attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School there, where she learned her prayers and received her sacraments. After the 8th grade, at age 12, Blanche was sent to live with a group of young girls at a convent in Topeka, KS, where she worked at a hospital and sent the money she earned home to help support her family. Blanche was homesick, so after six months she was transferred to Hays, KS, to be closer to her family. She lived and worked there until she was 17.

In May of 1947, Blanche met Peter C. Zerr at the wedding of Clem and Pauline Zerr. On November 16, 1948, shortly after Blanche turned 18, they were married in the basement of St. Anthony’s School, in St. Peter, because the church was being rebuilt. Blanche fondly recalled her and Peter praying together with both of their parents before the wedding. The couple continued to carry on the faith to their own family. They were blessed with five children (though they initially both wanted 14). Blanche was a true model for her family in the way she lived her Catholic faith, following the 10 commandments, praying, and sharing her devotion for the rosary.

Blanche was an excellent farm wife. She was hard working and always filled in wherever she was needed. She milked the dairy cows, raised a large garden, cooked full meals for her family and the hired hands, all while maintaining the household and attending all her children’s events. She loved spending time with her family on Sundays, going to church and attending get-togethers. Blanche lived for her children and later her grandchildren and was always there to support them in their endeavors. She was a member of the Go-Getters EHU, Hackberry Hoppers, Grainfield Tri S Federated Women’s Club, Immaculate Conception Altar Society and later the St. Agnes Ladies.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; husband Peter; son Keith Zerr; daughter-in-law Karen Zerr and sisters, Luella Kinderknecht, Carmella Jones and Clarita Kollhoff.

She is survived by her sons, Dennis Zerr, of Garden City, KS, Kevin Zerr (Peggy Huelsman), of Perry, KS and Darren (Sherri) Zerr, of Baldwin City, KS; daughter Lynette (Terry) Steinbrecher, of Denver, CO; daughter-in-law Jacky Zerr; sister Eileen Bellairs; brothers, Edwin and Larry Richmeier; ten grandchildren, Chad Zerr, Mike (Tiffany) Zerr, Christopher (Ines) Wildeman, Kelly Steinbrecher, Gregory (Casi) Wildeman, Jordan Zerr, Jason (Whitney) Zerr, Kenton (Jennifer) Zerr, Kaitlyn (Keaton) Knott and Kirsten Zerr (fiancé Collin Schmidt) and 11 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Vigil, Friday, March 11, 2022, at the St. Agnes Religious Education Center, in Grainfield. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Grainfield, with burial in the Grainfield City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Agnes Church or the Grainfield American Legion and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com