Bernard N. (Bernie) Gelphman

Bernard N. (Bernie) Gelphman passed away on October 4, 2026 at home in Olathe, Kansas. He was born on August 12, 1926, in Gas, Kansas and grew up in Iola, Kansas. He celebrated his 100th birthday at Hoeger House Rehabilitation Facility with friends and family.

Bernie joined the US Navy after graduating from Iola High School, entering service 7/24/1944. He served as Electrician’s Mate in and around the Mariana Islands’ chain on the USS Ensenada (YAG-23), a cargo ship, and received an Honorable Discharge on 6/1/1946.

Following his WWII service, Bernie attended Kansas State University for two years before transferring to Missouri University at Columbia, where he majored in electrical engineering and minored in business.

Following his service, Bernie was a partner with his sister, Minnie Gelphman Kramer, and brother-in-law, Harry Kramer, owning and operating Kramer’s Department Store in the Waldo area of Kansas City, Missouri. Later he opened Merchants Protective Agency with local banks and credit unions as clients, only recently retiring.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna, and children, Sara (Bryan) Ashcraft of Overland Park, Kansas; Daniel Gelphman of Topeka, Kansas; and Michael Gelphman of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchild, Rachael Ashcraft; and his children from a previous marriage, Susan Gelphman of Dallas, Texas, Janet Gelphman of Dallas, Texas, and David Gelphman, Aptos, California; grandchildren, Megan Giller, Amelia Giller, Laura Rose Brylowski; great-granddaughter, Paloma Fernandez Giller; plus many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Sarah Gelphman, and sister, Minnie Gelphman Kramer.

Myrna was asked how best to describe her husband. She said if she had to narrow it down to just three words, it would be kind, loving and faithful.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion, 410 E. Dennis Avenue, Olathe, Kansas 66061.

Service will be at the American Legion, 410 E. Dennis Avenue, Olathe, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 with services at 11:00. Lunch will be served at the American Legion’s restaurant and bar following the 21-gun salute.

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