Wilbert H. Rottinghaus, 87, of Baileyville, Kansas, died Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born December 4, 1921, at a rural home southwest of St. Benedict, Kansas, son of Alvin and Rose Haverkamp Rottinghaus. He graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School and then St. Benedict High School in 1939. Wilbert moved to California after high school to work in the Consolidated Defense Plant.

In 1944 during World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Great Lakes. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

On Oct. 28, 1946, he married Georgann Heiman at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. She survives at the home in Baileyville. They raised crops and livestock at their farm south of Baileyville.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville, where he distributed communion and served mass daily after retirement. He was a lifetime member of the R.R. Hendricks Post #214 of the American Legion of Axtell, and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1163 in Axtell. Wilbert enjoyed his farming career, fishing, playing cards and being with his family and friends.

Survivors besides his wife Georgann are his three children, Cheryl (Frank) Wessel of Axtell, Steve (Julie) Rottinghaus and Rosalyn (Mike) Stallbaumer, both of Baileyville; eight siblings, Mary Ann Dressman of Frankfort, Elmer Rottinghaus of Overland Park, Justin Rottinghaus of Seneca, Rosalita Skeels of Concordia, Regis Rottinghaus, Dorothy Fangman and Mildred Heinen, all of Pasco, Washington, and Galen Rottinghaus of Davenport, Washington; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert and Leonard Rottinghaus. a great-granddaughter Oliva Grossnickle.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM Wednesday, April 8, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with full military honors by the Axtell American Legion. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Tuesday, April 7, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given in Wilbert’s memory for the Sacred Heart Church Restoration Fund, and sent in care of the family.