Leonard J. Ronnebaum, 85, of Seneca died July 25, 2017, at Crestview Nursing and Residential Living in Seneca.

Leonard was born on October 21, 1931 at the Sabetha Hospital in Sabetha to Joseph C. and Emma V. Rottinghaus Ronnebaum. Leonard grew up southwest of Seneca. He attended the Pickney Country school just east a ¼ mile from his house, until the 6th grade; then attending Sts. Peter and Paul School and graduating from the 8th grade. As a young man, he worked on the family farm; on January 7, 1953 when he joined the United States Army. Leonard served during the Korean War; while in the Pacific he was stationed on a couple of Japanese Islands, Hokkaido and Honshu. Leonard was assigned to the C Btry 77th FA Bn, APO 201; his service lasted for one year and five months overseas before being discharged at the rank of CPL (T) on December 8, 1954.

After his service to his country, he returned to the family farm where he remained until his death. Leonard took great pride, making him a great farmer! He raised cattle and hogs; as well as various crops. Leonard was a very hard-working individual and a very generous person, he contributed his time and his resources to the Nemaha STEP Foundation, the Catholic Church and to various other organizations.

Leonard was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, St. Joseph Society, the Elks Club, Farm Bureau, the STEP Foundation, Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Earl W. Taylor Post #21 and the Seneca Knights of Columbus Council 1769.

Leonard enjoyed going to the casino, playing cards, gardening, fixing up old tractors. He took delight in being able to take a tractor that had been sitting for years in a hedge row and getting them to run again.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph C, on February 14, 1985 and Emma V. on July 25, 1962; a brother, Melvin A. on August 12, 1998; and a sister, Eleanor Kohake on September 28, 2008.

Leonard is survived by a brother, Linus Ronnebaum of Seneca; two sisters, Dorothy Dwerlkotte of Wichita and Marie Dwerlkotte of Beattie; and several nieces and nephews.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Friday, July 28th at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials can be given in Leonard’s memory to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School and or Seneca Veterans Wall, sent in care of the family.