Francis Steinlage, 82, of Corning, KS, died Thursday, January 15, 2004, at his home. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago.

He was born March 28, 1921, on a farm south of Kelly, the son of Ferdinand and Dora Haverkamp Steinlage. He grew up there, attended St. Bede’s School, and worked on the family farm.

On November 28, 1950, he married Marjorie Burdiek at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. They lived northeast of Corning, where they farmed, raised livestock and operated a dairy. They moved into Corning in November of 1996. Francis became semi-retired, but he still enjoyed helping his son on the farm.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Corning where he was a lay minister, had served on the church council and also served several terms on the St. Patrick’s School Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 61 years. Farming and working were his main activities, but he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports.

Survivors are his wife Marjorie of the home; a son, Dale of Corning; four daughters, Dorothy Becker of Centralia, Janet Hiltibrand of Corning, Donna Haverkamp of Auburn and Joyce Boeckman of Goff; three brothers, Norbert of Seneca, and Elton and Ronald of Corning; three sisters, Melita Bodensteiner of Waucoma, IA, Alma Kramer of Goff, and Geraldine Kramer of Corning; and 15 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two daughters Chari Steinlage on April 9, 1970, and Shirley Weinert on April 9, 1983; and a sister, Lorena Olberding on September 10, 1998.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 2 PM Friday, with a vigil prayer service at 7 PM Friday, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for Midland Hospice, St. Patrick’s Cemetery, or the Corning Recreation Association.