Marian Pachner, 89 of Akron, was called home on January 12, 2013 at the Yuma District Hospital.
Marian, the oldest of 3 children, was born May 8, 1923 in Sheridan, WY to Martin and Bessie (Hunt) Van Meter. When Marian was 6 years old her mother passed away. She was separated from her siblings. Her father, Uncle Ed and Aunt Julia Hunt, and Aunt Maggie Burkholder shared in Marion's upbringing. Marian attended Oberlin High School but quit during her senior year. She did not graduate high school, but continued her education throughout her life.
Marian was united in marriage on January 12, 1941 to James "Jim" Pachner in a double wedding ceremony with Jim's sister Ann Pachner and James Kaspar. Jim and Marian had 2 children, Barbara and Darrell.
Jim and Marian farmed southwest of Elba as well as south of Otis. After Jim stopped farming, they moved to Otis where she did accounting and tax preparation, as well as serving as a police magistrate for the town of Otis. She was firm but fair, and often gave advice on how to best straighten out their lives.
After 35 years in Washington County, they moved to Oberlin, KS to farm on the Pachner family homestead. Marian became the business manager for the Oberlin Herald newspaper, as well as an EMT for Decatur County.
Jim and Marian moved to Loveland, CO to enjoy retirement. After Jim's death, Marian returned to Washington County residing in Akron until her death. Wherever Marian lived, she always found a church home and became active in her community. She was an author, storyteller, exceptional cook, and seamstress. She liked to knit, quilt, and do other crafts. She enjoyed children and was known as "Aunt Marian" to family and friends alike.
Marian was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim, son Darrell, brother Dale Van Meter, and sister Velma James. She is survived by daughter Barbara McCall, sisters-in-law Ann Kaspar, Beulah Pachner,and Kathy Van Meter; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Akron. Inurnment at the Akron Cemetery will be privately held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Akron Senior and Community Center. Bowin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.