Clement J. “Clem” Rethman, 77, of St. Benedict, KS, died Thursday morning, June 12, 2008 at Crestview Manor care home in Seneca.

Clem was born July 5, 1930 to Clement B. and Florentine Olberding Rethman on a farm northwest of St. Benedict. He attended St. Mary’s School in St. Benedict and graduated from the 8th grade in 1944. After school, he helped on the family farm until being drafted into the U.S. Army. After service to his country, he returned to the family farm and continued to farm with his brother Rupert until his death. He also drove a school bus for thirty years from 1965 to 1995 for students in the St. Benedict and Baileyville area.

Clem was member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, the Seneca Knights of Columbus #1769 for 59 years, the American Legion Earl W. Taylor Post #21, and the Veterans of the Foreign Wars Post #7458 of Seneca.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Anna Sperfslage on August 8, 1995.

He is survived by his brother, Rupert of St. Benedict; five sisters, Charlotte Burdiek of Seneca, Rosetta Umscheid of Flush, Willa Rae Wilhelm of Horton, Roberta Lierz of Sabetha and Diane Mulryan of Seneca; and many nieces and nephews.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Sunday, June 15, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military honors by the American Legion and the V.F.W.

Memorials may be given for the St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund.