Francis C. “Chic” Rottinghaus, 65, of St. Benedict, Kansas, died suddenly Friday afternoon, September 19, 2008 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Francis was born in Seneca, on July 8, 1943, the son of John I. and Ethel Wietharn Rottinghaus. He attended grade school in St. Benedict and graduated from St. Benedict High School in 1961. He then attended Benedictine College in Atchison for a year, before returning home to the family farm. He was a farmer and stockman his entire life.

Francis was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, where he was on the church council. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1769 in Seneca.

Francis will be remembered for his sense of humor, smile and warmth. He enjoyed farming, family, bowling, gardening, playing cards, and had a knack for mechanical repairs. He was an avid photographer who loved to take pictures of farm landscapes and his family, especially his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his mother Ethel Rottinghaus of St. Benedict; three brothers, John H. (Gladys) Rottinghaus of St. Benedict, Leroy (Grace) Rottinghaus of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Eugene (Karen) Rottinghaus of Plano, Texas; and three sisters, Mary Jane (Leo) Hammes of Seneca, Rita (Bob) Buessing of Baileyville, and Joann Rottinghaus of Olathe.

Francis was preceded in death by his father; his sister, Janice Heiman on July 13, 2008, and two infant sisters, Mary and RoseAnn.

Rosaries were prayed on Monday, September 22, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, September 23, by nephew Fr. Greg Hammes and concelebrated by Fr. Felix Molumeli at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. Music was provided by the church choir and soloist Cyril Steinlage. The pall was placed over the casket by his sisters, Mary Jane Hammes, Rita Buessing and Joann Rottinghaus. Servers were Dylan and Cody Rethman and Nicholas Hammes. The lectors were nieces, Cindy Hammes and Mary Buessing, the petitions were read by nephew Michael Rottinghaus, and the gift bearers were brothers, John, Leroy, and Eugene Rottinghaus. Eucharistic ministers were Leo and Mary Jane Hammes.

The burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Benedict. Pallbearers were nieces and nephews: Ron, Dan, Steve, Michael, Kevin, Lindsey, and Becky Rottinghaus; John, Bruce, Mary and Alex Buessing; Julie Boeding; Dave, Gary and Cindy Hammes; Deb Rethman; Kent Heiman; and Shelly Frohardt.

Memorials may be given in Francis’ memory for St. Mary’s Church, and sent in care of the family.