Delphine Esmeralda (Deschner) Atkinson, age 102, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and loved ones on March 1, 2024.
Delphine was born April 7, 1921 to Martin and Emma (Blank) Deschner, outside Natoma, KS. As a child of the dust bowl, the “hard times” of the depression molded her on a small Kansas farm. Delphine moved to Salina, KS, to attend secretarial school and work. While there she met her future husband, Mart Atkinson and they were married December 30, 1950. Their union was blessed with love and five children.
Delphine was preceded in death by her father, Martin Deschner; mother, Emma (Blank) Deschner; sister, Darleen Deschner; brother, Delbert Deschner; and one grandson, Brandon Warren.
She is survived by her husband Mart of the home; her five children, son Kenneth Atkinson, Excelsior Springs, MO, son Ron (Debby) Atkinson, Norman, OK, daughter Linda (Jody) Pasalich, Excelsior Springs, MO, son Roger (Elvie) Atkinson, Kansas City, MO, daughter Marla (Phillip) Broadbent, Lawson, MO; and 11 grandchildren, Rachel, Shane, Heather, Nathan, Amanda, Jesse, Kent, Tina, BJ, Mason, Rolvie; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Delphine was involved in the Excelsior Springs Hospital Auxiliary and served her church, Mt. Calvary Lutheran with dedicated devotion by leading Bible studies, as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, a member of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), Alter Guild, coordinated prayer chains, dinners, and a variety of other duties. Her belief and commitment to God was unwavering and she raised her children with those same values.
Delphine was fond of painting, particularly landscapes, making ceramics and liked to spend time in the garden. She loved road trips with Mart, family and friends and traveled to all 48 contiguous states. Even in her final days she enjoyed going for car rides with her husband, Mart.
Delphine especially enjoyed holidays and special occasions that brought her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren together. For many years she looked forward to annual ‘girls-day-out’ with her daughters, granddaughters and eventually great-granddaughters to shop and have lunch for her birthday. Over the years she enjoyed playing card games with friends and family. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren are blessed to have fond memories playing UNO, Dominoes and other games with her.
A visitation will be at 12:30 p.m. prior to funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 1215 Baldwin Street, Excelsior Springs, MO. Graveside services will immediately follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.
Delphine loved flowers and bright colors so please feel free to wear something colorful in her honor.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Words just can’t say or express my sorrow for your Families great loss of a wonderful lady such as Del always was to me and my Family for 32 years. I am certain she will be sorely missed by me along with other church Families and Friends there at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. My condolences and sympathies to Mart, Linda, and Kenny!
Evelyn Kelb Minton
Del & Mart have been part of my life since the very beginning. We met them soon after arriving in Excelsior in 1955. My parents would play lots of cards with them & since I was the oldest I tried to watch all the kids. We developed close friendships growing up. They were wonderful friends to both my parents & later my Mom.
We were also Mount Calvary members for years & Del & my Mom were in all the church organizations together. They were the kindest & most caring as a couple. Mart & my Dad & a few others helped build the first Lutheran Church downtown.
Del has had a really wonderful life surrounded by love. I also know it’s never easy to lose one we love. Sending prayers for strength & hugs to those she held most dear.
Delores Wharton
Del was a great person, I will miss Her very much.
Gary Cooper
Keith and I send our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Prayers for comfort and peace.
Keith and Lori Piercy
