Oct 15, 1926---May 15, 2026

Virginia Mae Kerschen (nee Brand), 99 of Leawood, KS (previously St. Louis, MO), peacefully slid into Heaven with her devoted husband of 78 years, Eldon (Bud) and daughter, Deanna. At her side.

Virginia was born October 15,1926 to Genevieve Engelbrecht Brand and Mathias (Matt) Brand. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart College (now Newmann University} in Wichita. She was a medical technologist in the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. She maintained her certification for fifty years, while she alternated between work and being a stay-at-home mom.

Virginia closed out her years of medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, working in blood research with Dr. Gaston. Her specialty was Factor 9 coagulation. Dr. Gaston had Virginia teaching this to new interns!

Virginia was known to everyone for her gourmet cooking, green thumb, incredible singing voice, immaculate housekeeping, dedication to liturgy and choir for fifty-three years, and her intense pride in her family.

Virginia is survived by her husband of 78 years, Eldon (Bud) Kerschen; daughter Deanna Mana (Frank); grandson Tony Mana (Kristin); two great grandsons Collin and Chase Mana, and beloved nieces and nephews. (Brand, Simon, Breitenbach, Hinds).

 

Visitation will be Wednesday May 27th at St. Michael the Archangel, 14251 Nall Ave, Leawood KS 66223 from 9:30AM to 10:30 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.

Interment at Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum,  8300 Quivira Rd, Lenexa KS 66215 at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Virginia’s memory to:

Great Plains ASPCA ( www.greatplainsspca.org )

St Jude’s Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org )

Tunnel 2 Towers ( www.t2t.org ).



Condolences

Deanna Kerschen Mana May 21, 2026

Daughter ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mom! Even more than your adventurous spirit and love of travel, I pray I have captured the essence of your Soul! I miss spending mornings and lunches with you, and Daddy misses you terribly. Thank you for the many extra gifts and blessings you gave us throughout the past year! Your little gals, who sat Vigil with us are still checking on us! They all keep telling us how much they love you and how you will always have pieces of their hearts!?? We love you, Mama!

Joe Borders May 22, 2026

Neighbors at Town Village of Leawood ,Leawood ,Kansas

Our beautiful lady Virginia was loved by all here at Town Village. I see now, my wife and I will one day lay at the same address as Virginia.

Patsy Mura May 26, 2026

This is for your dear daughter...not sure if you know that our beloved priest, Fr. Waldeck, talked about you in a homily this past week, He was deeply moved by your love story, and spoke so sweetly that we will all remember you. I am fortunate to be a server tomorrow at your luncheon. God bless you, as of course He already has!

Veronica May 27, 2026

Nurse

Virginia I was really blessed with getting to know you over the last year and although I only knew you for a short time I got to see what true love was between you and Bud. It is evident in the presence, grace and kindness I saw in your daughter that you must have been such a wonderful mama as your spirit truly does live through her personality. Thank you Virginia for being such a kind human and wonderful role model to not only your family but myself as well! All the love and hugs to your family you truly will be missed. It was an honor to have known you.

Kiarah Welch May 27, 2026

Caregiver ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Ms. Virginia, my Baby Boo! I love you more than words and miss you beyond them. You were an incredible woman and I am so blessed to have had time with you. Our talks, especially the unapologetically loud ones, were the BEST. Your laugh, your sass, and everything I learned about your life journey mean so much to me. I will miss you always and we will take great care of Bud for you.

Veronica May 27, 2026

Nurse

Virginia I was really blessed with getting to know you over the last year and although I only knew you for a short time I got to see what true love was between you and Bud. It is evident in the presence, grace and kindness I saw in your daughter that you must have been such a wonderful mama as your spirit truly does live through her personality. Thank you Virginia for being such a kind human and wonderful role model to not only your family but myself as well! All the love and hugs to your family you truly will be missed. It was an honor to have known you.

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Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
St. Michael the Archangel
Address:
14251 Nall Avenue
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66223
Date:
May 27, 2026
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
St. Michael the Archangel
Address:
14251 Nall Avenue
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66223
Date:
May 27, 2026
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map: