Edwin “Eddie” Frederick Niehues, 98, of Seneca, died Monday night October 1, 2018 at the Good Samaritan care home in Wamego, Kansas.

Eddie was born on December 9, 1919 on the family farm southeast of Kelly, Kansas. He was the ninth of fifteen children born to Bernard Sr. and Mary (Knipper) Niehues. He attended St. Bede’s grade school graduating from the 8^th grade in 1934 and attended one year of high school at the newly organized Kelly High School from 1934-1935. Eddie spent several years helping on the family farm.

Edwin married Rosalita Rennenger on Feb. 10, 1947 at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, Kansas. They celebrated 71 years of marriage. This union was blessed with eight children.

Eddie and Rosie engaged in farming east of Kelly and lived there until 2008 when they moved to Seneca. When his health started declining and he required more care, he spent the last two years of his life in the Wamego community with his daughter and her husband Cindy and Dan Heideman before moving into the Good Samaritan care home in January of 2018. He was a life-long member of St. Bede’s Parish at Kelly, Kansas and was a 73-year member of the Knights of Columbus joining on June 1, 1945.

Eddie was a dedicated farmer whose favorite time of year was harvest. He continued to help his son Dennis each fall driving an auger wagon until he was 90 years old. He loved animals and could spend hours petting a dog. His hobbies included fishing and a good card game. He loved music and was a great harmonica player. He also enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Michael Niehues on July 9, 2007, his mother Mary in 1942 and his father Bernard in 1954, his brothers Bernard Jr., Albert, John, Robert, and George and his sisters Agnes Niehues, Sr. Richardis Niehues O.S.B., Anna Niehues, Alma Haverkamp, Margaret Boeckman, Evelyn Hutfles, and Erma Niehues.

He is survived by his wife Rosie, his five sons David (Anita) of San Jose, California, Leland (Jane) of Goff, Leon (Sharon) of Huntsville, Arkansas, Willie of Soldier, and Dennis (Laurie) of Goff, and his two daughters Patty (Larry) Bolgar of Cleveland, Ohio and Cindy (Dan) Heideman of Wamego, a daughter-in-law Carol Niehues of Sabetha, 24 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren, and his sisters Antoinette Hermesch and Josepha Altenhofen.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 PM and 7 PM on Thursday October 4 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Friday October 5 at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly.

Memorials may be given in Eddie’s memory to St. Bede’s Church, Kelly, and sent in care of the family.