Gerard B. Steinlage, 73, of Seneca, passed away on February 12, 2025 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Gerard was born on June 21, 1951, to Henry and Loretta (Wessel) Steinlage. He was the fifth of six children and grew up on the family farm north of Corning. He attended Corning School until its closure in 1968 and graduated from Centralia High School in 1969. In 1970, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving until 1976.

On October 27, 1973, Gerard married Mary Beth Fangman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Milford Lake, surrounded by their children, spouses and 18 grandchildren.

For over 50 years, Gerard operated a small diversified farm two miles north of Corning, where he raised various livestock, including cattle, pigs, goats, horses, emus, ostriches, and pheasants, along with grain and hay. In the 1980s, he and his brother ran a custom combining operation.  In 2012, Gerard and Mary Beth moved to Seneca, where he continued to enjoy time with family and volunteering.  Gerard was recognized for his dedicated service as state director for the Kansas Farmers Union from 2011 to 2015.  Throughout his life, he held several part-time jobs, including logistics and maintenance technician for AgriGold, always staying active and engaged in his community.

Gerard had a deep love for rural America and a strong connection to the land. His faith and commitment to service were evident in his many contributions. He was a faithful blood donor, and served on the St. Patrick Church Council.  As a proud member of the American Legion Post #37, he willingly carried the American flag in parades, and participated in Memorial Day services. He took great pride in being a part of the American Legion Firing Squad at numerous local funerals, and honored fellow veterans. He also dedicated his time as a handyman for Sts. Peter & Paul Church, school, and Mission Center.  As a Knights of Columbus member, he helped in the construction of the new parish house at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and service to others.

Gerard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Leander.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth, of the home, and their children: Debra Niehues (Keith) of Sabetha, Christina Kreimer (Josh) of Eudora, Renee Mueting (Doug) of Eudora, Timothy Steinlage of Cushing, OK, Jonathan Steinlage (Lauren) of Abilene, Catherine Becker (Matt) of Centralia, Rodney Steinlage (Ashley) of Frankfort, and Matthew Steinlage (Katie) of Grain Valley, MO. He also leaves behind 18 beloved grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Theresa Mulryan, Joann (Gary) Dawdy, and Rosemary (Jerry) Spangler, all of Topeka, KS, and Mary Kay (Steve) Hermesch of Goff, KS, as well as his sister-in-law, Carol Steinlage of Centralia, KS.

A rosary will be prayed on Sunday, February 16, at 7:00 p.m., visitation starting at 6:00pm at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, with burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Corning.  Family and friends are invited to a meal at Sts. Peter & Paul’s cafeteria immediately after the cemetery services.

Memorials are to be designated at a later date and may be sent to the funeral home, designated at a later date.