Clarence W. Rottinghaus, 93, of Wetmore, KS passed away Sunday morning, December 4, 2016, at Crestview Nursing and Residential Living in Seneca, KS.

He was born on July 7, 1923 on a farm north of Corning, KS, the son of Henry & Magdalen Steinlage Rottinghaus. Clarence was one of ten children. Clarence went to school at Corning for a few years then went to St. Bede’s Grade School and graduated from the 8th grade, valedictorian of his class.

As a young man, he helped his father on the family farm, until he was 40, when be began his farming on his own, south of Corning. Clarence later purchased a farm northwest of Wetmore and where he continued to farm and live past retirement. Clarence as was employed by Rockwell international in Atchison where he worked for 28 years as a forklift operator until he retired.

Clarence had several interests in his life, one of his greatest interests was restoring Studebaker vehicles and raising cattle and putting up hay on his farm. He also enjoyed going to cars shows and to show his 1951 Studebaker; he also loved to attend auctions.

Clarence was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore, a life time member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4219 of Holton and a life time member of the Studebaker s of America.

He was survived by his brothers, Marcellus of Overland Park, KS and Ray of Seneca; his sisters, Rose Heiman of Axtell, KS, Helen Lierz of Savanna, MO, Mary Sieben of Prairie Village, KS, and Dorothy Hammes of Seneca; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bernard and Ed; and a sister, Rita Gockel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 10:30A.M. at the St. James’s Church in Wetmore. The burial will be in the Wetmore City cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed at 2 P.M. Monday, December 5th at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be left in Clarence’s memory for the St. James Church and/or St. Bede’s Building Fund, sent in care of the family.