Jean Kartman, 68, a former Alma resident, passed away on Thursday (January 22, 2026) at Celebration Villa Of Hearthstone in Topeka.
Born and Baptized on December 5, 1957 in Manhattan, Kansas, Jean was the daughter of August Junior and Wanda Jean (Falk) Zeckser. She married Charles “Mick” Cravalho who preceded her in death on July 17, 1986. She married Scott Kartman and they were divorced.
A graduate of St. John Lutheran School and Wabaunsee High School in Alma, Jean later attended Kaw Area Technical School and Washburn University in Topeka. In July, 1976, she began her 36 year career with the State of Kansas. She worked as an office assistant for the Kansas Division of Personnel Services, a secretary for the Division of Information Systems and Communications, an office assistant for the Fiscal Systems with the Department of Transportation, an administration specialist for the Kansas Board of Nursing and then as a public service administrator for the Kansas Board of Nursing until her retirement in January, 2011. Following her retirement, Jean worked at the Bank of the Flint Hills, the Alma Creamery and Alma Manor.
Jean was confirmed on April 16, 1972 at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma where she remained an active member and taught Sunday School for many years. Jean was also a Boy Scout Leader and served on the Boy Scout Committee Board, a Census Enumerator in 2010 and a 4-H Community and Project Leader for Happy Valley 4-H.
Survivors include her son, Christopher Kartman (Holly) of Alma, KS; eleven grandchildren, June Kartman, Louis Kartman, Heidi Kartman, Peter Kartman, J.J. Hernandez (Parker), Cecilia Harpe (Johnny), Miguel Hernandez, Mauricio Hernandez, Joaquin Hernandez, Elena Hernandez and Sergio Hernandez; two great grandchildren, Leo Hernandez and Rio Hernandez; two sisters, Charla Hess (Alan) of Alma, KS, and her twin sister, Joye Richardson of Topeka, KS; a sister in law, Georgie Zeckser of Molalla, OR; a brother in law, Gerald McPherson of Kansas City, KS; an uncle, Paul Falk of Topeka, KS; and many nieces and nephews
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Stephen Zeckser; a sister, DeLois McPherson; and a brother in law, Michael Richardson.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning (January 28, 2026) at 11:00 at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma with Reverend Robert Grimm officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday morning (January 28, 2026) from 10:00 until the time of service at 11:00 at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Hour or Ascend Hospice. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547