Benedict A. “Doc” Rethman, 88, of Seneca, KS, died on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born on a farm southwest of Kelly on August 16, 1922 to Joseph and Agnes Wessel Rethman. He grew up in the Kelly community, attended St. Bede’s Catholic School in Kelly and graduated 8th grade from St. Patrick’s School in Corning.

Benedict was a farmer most of his life. In 1960, he moved to Corning and in 1963 he started selling feed for Gooch’s Best Feeds; in addition, he also did trucking for Zima Livestock Auctions of Emmett, KS. He moved to Seneca in 2007 and entered Crestview Manor care home on December 9, 2010.

Benedict was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning. He enjoyed auctions and loved old tractors. He also relished a good card game.

He was the youngest of nine children and is survived by nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry, Edwin, Bernard and Joe, Jr.; and his sisters, Elizabeth Walters, Mary Wiltz, Annie Baker and Agnes Hawkins.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Wednesday, April 13, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 AM Thursday, April 14, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given for St. Patrick’s Church or Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.