Donald E. “Ham” Luckeroth, 80, of Seneca, KS, died Thursday evening, April 9, 2009, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Donald was born on October 2, 1928, in Seneca to Dr. J.C. and Lydia Strathman Luckeroth. He grew up in Seneca and attended Sts. Peter & Paul High School, graduating in 1945. Donald helped at his father’s veterinary clinic doing a variety of jobs. In 1959, after his father died, he took over the operation of a sale barn. He specialized in buying and selling hogs, gaining the nickname “Ham.” He retired in the mid-1980s.

On November 26, 1949, Donald married Patricia Bennett at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The couple celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Donald was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Society, and the Knights of Columbus Council 1769, all in Seneca. He was a dedicated husband, son, father, brother, and grandfather. He enjoyed bowling, cards, coin collecting and watching the kids play sports.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; four sons, Thomas of Seneca, Kenny and Keith, both of Palm Desert, CA, and Dean of Centralia; two daughters, Jackie Teeter of Fayetteville, AR and Joanie Abbey of Seneca; two brothers, Joe Luckeroth of Marysville and Dr. Norman Luckeroth of Lawrence; three sisters, Lydia Kalich of Wenatchee, WA, and Mary Stoering and Alice McCarthy, both of Portland, OR; and 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. J.C. Luckeroth on December 8, 1958 and Lydia Luckeroth on August 20, 1980; his son Jim on August 20, 1997; and two grandchildren, Amber Luckeroth on March 29, 2007 and Joshia Luckeroth on November 29, 2008.

A rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Monday, April 13, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. George Burtles at 11 AM Tuesday, April 14, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given in Donald’s memory for Sts. Peter & Paul Building Fund or Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, and sent in care of the family.