A Memorial for Meersman
KINGMAN – One of their favorite trails.
That’s what Mike Meersman said of him and his late wife, Jean Meersman, during a dedication of a park bench bearing her name and facing the façade of White Cliffs Wagon Trail Friday morning.
Roughly 50 ‘Friends and Family of Jean’ paid tribute to the memory of the Kingman High School business teacher, wife and mother. Those friends and family members contributed funding and support for the bench.
Meersman gave emotional testimony on the life of his late wife, who died from ovarian cancer in November of 2022. She was 63 and is survived by two children, Dan and Jason Meersman, and four grandchildren.
Aside from her teaching duties, Jean was an Andy Devine Award recipient for Educator of the Year in 2014. KUSD Superintendent Gretchen Dorner and former KUSD Superintendent Roger Jacks were on site to say a few words and pay their respects.
“I don’t pray for Jean, I pray to her,” Meersman said. “If you see me sitting at that bench praying, I’m praying to her.”
Jean’s mother, Joan Ramsberger, was at the trailhead to witness the dedication.
“I’m so very thankful for everyone showing up here today,” she said. “These are some very nice people.”
Many of the attendees took advantage of the almost perfect spring weather and hiked the trails following the dedication.
Aaron Ricca
