Iyone Dielman

Iyone Illeen (Harrison) Dielman was born on March 16, 1927, in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, the daughter of Newton A. and Laura (Craigg) Harrison. The family moved near McPherson when her father worked for Shell Oil Company. Much of Iyone's schooling was obtained in McPherson County. She graduated from McPherson High School in 1944. Iyone fondly recalled playing the clarinet in the high school band, which performed around the state during World War II. She married Mr. Edgar Leon Dielman of Galva, Kansas on July 3, 1948. Iyone and Ed lived in the area most of their married life and moved permanently to McPherson in 1961. They had two sons, Greg and Kirk.

While her sons were in school, Iyone was active in their school activities. She also had close relationships with many of her sons' friends. Some of these multi-generational friendships continued throughout her life. Ed and Iyone helped care for their grand-daughter Kristi Jo Dielman for several years. This great joy of their life ended with the death of Kristi at age 5 on October 4, 1975.

Iyone worked for many years at the Farmer's Alliance Insurance Company from which she retired after many years of service. During their retirement years, Iyone and Ed enjoyed family, friends, and their home. They also took the opportunity to travel and especially loved visiting Europe. Iyone enjoyed doing cross-stitch, knitting, and other crafts. She also volunteered at the McPherson Senior Center. Iyone had many friends in McPherson. Until recently, she continued to attend high school reunions and get-togethers with Farmer's Alliance retirees.

Iyone and Ed were members of the First Christian Church in McPherson. Although Iyone could not attend Church for the past several years, she remained a faithful member.

Iyone passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at the Life Care Center of Andover. She was 84.

Survivors include her two sons, Greg Dielman and Michelle Wheeler of Sedgwick, Kansas and Kirk and Karen Dielman of Denver, Colorado; two grandchildren, Hanna Dielman of Minneapolis, Minnesota and George Dielman of Hastings, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter, Kristi Jo, and her husband, Edgar, who passed away on May 12, 1996.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. Pastor Lynn Scott will officiate the service. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be in McPherson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday at Stockham Family Funeral Home, with the family receiving from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be given to McPherson Senior Center in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Iyone Dielman please visit our Sympathy Store.