Willis E. “Willy” Ehrsam, 84, of Seneca, KS, died on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born on October 21, 1927 on the family farm southwest of Bern to Elmer and Esther Hunzeker Ehrsam. He attended grade school at Ehrsam’s school, which sat on land donated by his great-grandfather, William Ehrsam. Later he attended Bern High School. He helped on the family farm and served his country as a member of the National Guard for 16 years.

On November 14, 1953 he married Patricia La Fond at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning.

He was employed by Hall Brothers Construction, Lehmann and Meyers, Elmer Winderschidt Elevator, and George Gudenkauf Rendering. Gudenkauf Rendering was purchased by National By-Products, from which he retired from in 1992.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Society and the Knights of Columbus Council 1769 in Seneca. Willy enjoyed sports, playing cards, fishing, hunting and gardening. He cherished the time he spent with his family and his dog, Mumphy.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years; two sons, Ron and Chuck (Deon) Ehrsam of Seneca; two daughters, Diana (Ron) Jones of Windom, KS and Eileen Ehrsam of Pensacola, FL; a sister, LaVerne Rokey of Sabetha; two grandchildren, Travis and Tanner; three step-grandsons and 12 step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Tuesday, November 1, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Monday, October 31, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given in Willy’s memory for Sts. Peter & Paul Building Fund, and sent in care of the family.

Willis E. “Willy” Ehrsam, 84, of Seneca, KS, died on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born on October 21, 1927 on the family farm southwest of Bern to Elmer and Esther Hunzeker Ehrsam. He attended grade school at Ehrsam’s school, which sat on land donated by his great-grandfather, William Ehrsam. Later he attended Bern High School. He helped on the family farm and served his country as a member of the National Guard for 16 years.

On November 14, 1953 he married Patricia La Fond at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning.

He was employed by Hall Brothers Construction, Lehmann and Meyers, Elmer Winderschidt Elevator, and George Gudenkauf Rendering. Gudenkauf Rendering was purchased by National By-Products, from which he retired from in 1992.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Society and the Knights of Columbus Council 1769 in Seneca. Willy enjoyed sports, playing cards, fishing, hunting and gardening. He cherished the time he spent with his family and his dog, Mumphy.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years; two sons, Ron and Chuck (Deon) Ehrsam of Seneca; two daughters, Diana (Ron) Jones of Windom, KS and Eileen Ehrsam of Pensacola, FL; a sister, LaVerne Rokey of Sabetha; two grandchildren, Travis and Tanner; three step-grandsons and 12 step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Tuesday, November 1, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Monday, October 31, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given in Willy’s memory for Sts. Peter & Paul Building Fund, and sent in care of the family.