Charles R. “Charlie” Krotzinger, 58, of Seneca, Kansas, died Monday, August 18, 2008 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Charles was born on October 27, 1949 in Seneca, the son of Jacob C. and Eva Luginbill Krotzinger. He loved baseball and participated in the summer baseball program in Seneca. He graduated from Seneca Public High School in 1967. While in high school he worked for the City of Seneca and for Mealy’s Hy-Klas grocery store on Main Street.

In 1970, he moved to Minnesota to attend Dunwoody Institute, where he graduated in 1971 as a licensed baker, making him the fourth generation of bakers in his family. While in Minnesota he tried out for the Minnesota Twins as a pitcher. When that dream did not come to pass, he took a job at the Pine Grove Inn in Sillwater, Minnesota. He then worked for 26 years for Stillwater Bakery, before returning to Seneca in 1993. Back here, he began working for Buzz Café & Oxen House in Sabetha; he was still employed there at the time of his death.

He was a charter member of the Sons of the American Legion in Seneca, serving as secretary. He was a devoted member helping with the fish fry, cooking on Friday nights, and announcing the American Legion ballgames. Charles was also a member of the First Congregational Church of Seneca.

Charles enjoyed fishing and playing cards with friends and family. He was a sports fan, and a huge KU fan. He loved spending time with his family & friends, especially his nieces and nephews, and his co-worker and friend, Brenden “Buddy” Stahl.

He is survived by his mother Eva of Seneca; a brother, James and his wife Cindy of Seneca; three sisters, Marcia Krotzinger of Seneca, Carol Niehues of Sabetha, and Diane and her husband Max Hermesch of Sabetha; and 13 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his father Jacob on April 17, 1994, his brother Lyle on August 31, 1962, and his brother-in-law Mike Niehues on July 9, 2007.

Funeral service will be 10 AM Thursday, August 21, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, with a visitation from 6:30 to 8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Seneca City Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in Charlie’s memory for the First Congregational Church of Seneca, or the American Legion Baseball Program, and sent in care of the family.