Bernard A. “Ben” Glissman, 84, of Seneca, KS, died Saturday, December 1, 2001, at his home.

He was born February 18, 1917, on a farm south of Kelly, KS, the son of Bernard and Agnes Enneking Glissman. He grew up there, attended St. Bede’s School in Kelly, and worked on the family farm.

On April 16, 1941, he married Rose M. Hermesch at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. They lived and farmed northwest of Wetmore, KS, for two years before moving to a farm southwest of Kelly.

In 1952 Ben started work as an agent for Farmers Union Insurance. Ben was recognized with many outstanding sales and service awards for Farmers Union and won trips for his efforts. He was an insurance agent for 32 years before selling the business to his son-in-law David Haverkamp.

He and his wife Rose moved to Seneca in 1984. She survives of the home.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, the St. Joseph Society at the church, and the Knights of Columbus Council #1769 for over 50 years, all in Seneca. He was a former member of St. Bede’s Church and St. Joseph’s Society in Kelly, where he served on the church committee. He also served on the board of directors of the Nemaha County Co-op.

Survivors besides his wife Rose are two sons, Richard “Dick” Glissman and Ronald Glissman, both of Centralia; six daughters, Jo Ann Meyer of Soldier, Mary Ellen Russell of Sabetha, Shirley Hammes and Myra Haverkamp, both of Seneca, Connie Haverkamp of Silver Lake, and Joyce Grose of Bern; a brother, Cletus Glissman of Wetmore; two sisters, Frances Steinlage of Seneca, and Agnes Boden of Havensville; a half sister, Betty Kongs of Seneca; 25 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, August, Callistus and Aloysius; two sisters, Theresa Blocker and Sister Agnes Marie; two half-brothers, Henry and Leo Hunninghake; two step-brothers, Ray and Albert Korte; and two half-sisters, Annie Glissman and Mary Krogman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 4, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in St. Bede’s Cemetery in Kelly. A prayer service will be held at 8 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, with rosaries at 2 & 7 PM Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given for Sts. Peter & Paul Church or St. Bede’s Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.