Ernest W. Haug, 88, of Seneca, Kansas died on Monday, February 13, 2017 at Life Care Center of Seneca.

Ernest was born on the family farm northwest of St. Benedict, Kansas on September 14, 1928 to William C. and Mary P. Haverkamp Haug. He attended Sts Mary’s Grade and High School in St. Benedict; and graduated in 1946.

He custom bailed the first few years he was out of school; and then went to work for Wassenberg Construction. He helped with the construction of the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. He was later employed by John Holland and Wilbur Henninger to burn brush and remove roots during the construction 63 Highway; he also ran a caterpillar and a scraper. Ernest was also involved in the construction of the granite trazel flooring and the plumbing for Seneca Public School; as well as various other odd jobs as a young man, all while helping on the family farm.

Ernie married Rita Elizabeth Koch on March 31, 1951 at the Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. The couple made their home on a farm east of St. Benedict; where they worked side by side, and raised their seven children.

They retired in 1993 and moved to Seneca. He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Society, The Knights of Columbus Council 1769 and a past member of St. Mary’s Church Council.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and raising animals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father on February 2, 1990 and his mother on March 25, 1971; a son, Joe Haug on September 7, 1975; and a sister, Florence Hulsing on December 12, 2002. Great-grandchildren Serenity and Grace Heinen died May 1, 2014

Ernie is survived by his wife Rita of 65 years, his children, Jean (Jim) Heinen of Axtell, Joyce (Dennis) Henry of Seneca, Margie (Kent) Heinen of Kelly, Marion (Brenda) Haug of Seneca, Mary (Roger) Strathman of Baileyville and Patty (Keith) Haverkamp of Seneca; siblings, Lambert Haug of Abilene, Kansas, William Haug, Jr of Topeka, Bernice Nordhus and Patty Stallbaumer both of Seneca; 21 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 16th, at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church at Seneca. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The burial will be at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Benedict.

Memorials may be given to Sts. Peter and Paul School, sent in care of the family.