Wilfred Joseph Tangeman, 89, of Seneca, KS, died early Monday morning, March 14, 2011 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born October 2, 1921, on a farm northwest of St. Benedict, the son of Henry and Agnes Bockenstette Tangeman. He grew up there, attended Bellview School, and helped on the family farm.

On September 10, 1945, he married Leta Rose Henry at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. They lived and farmed in the St. Benedict community until December of 1993 when they moved to Seneca. The couple celebrated 58 years of marriage before Leta’s death on August 16, 2003. After moving to town, Wilfred worked for Ag Connection for several years.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, St. Joseph’s Society, and the Knights of Columbus Council #1769 Ponce De León Fourth Degree, all in Seneca. He was a former member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, where he served on the church council. He was a member of the Farmer’s Union (NFO) and the Production Credit; he also was a leader for the Hustler 4-H Club for eight years. During the consolidation of Baileyville and St. Benedict school systems he served on the School Board for both districts. In his later years he enjoyed gardening, playing cards and woodworking.

Survivors are two sons, Roy (Michelle) Tangeman of Anamosa, IA and Richard (Laine) Tangeman of Topeka; two daughters, Wanda (Greg) Lyon of Lawrence and Karen (John) Brinker of Leawood; six grandchildren, Angela Oswald, Jada Conley, Jarae Essman, Josh Lyon, David Brinker and Daniel Brinker; and five great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Clarence, Leo B., Vincent H., Albert and Lawrence; and three sisters, Ethel Wichman, Johanna Wichman and Rose Burdick.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM Friday, March 18, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Benedict. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Thursday, March 17, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, where he will lie in state after 8 AM on Thursday.

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