Gilbert B. Osterhaus, 82, of Seneca, Kansas, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Crestview Manor care home in Seneca, after recently being hospitalized and diagnosed with acute leukemia.

Gilbert Bernard Osterhaus was born east of St. Benedict, Kansas on September 4, 1929, the son of Bernard J. and Pauline Runnebaum Osterhaus. Gilbert attended Rock School and graduated on May 25, 1947 from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in St. Benedict.

On May 12, 1953, Gilbert enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country during the Korean War, at Fort Carson in Colorado. He was assigned to H/S Company 12th Engineer Battalion. Most of his duties were in the motor pool, where he was appointed as a personal driver for the Company Commander. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

On June 27, 1955 he married Barbara “Bobbie” Haug at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The couple made their home in Seneca where they raised eight children and celebrated 56 years of marriage.

With his brother-in-law H. Joseph “Joe” Love, he owned and operated Love and Osterhaus Builders, constructing several homes in Seneca and surrounding area, including the 1973 chapel addition to Lauer Funeral Home. He retired in 1987, but even in retirement he enjoyed “tinkering” and would do odd jobs, typically wherever he could help out widowed ladies in the community.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion, serving as a past Post Commander. He served on the Seneca City Council from 1983 to 1987. Gilbert was elected onto the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department in February of 1962. He served his community for 20 years with dedication, holding various fire department offices including Lieutenant of Truck #2, 1970 to 1971; Dance Committee 1963, 1964 1968, 1973; and Fire Police, 1979 to 1982.

He was a prince of a man who always had a contagious smile and an optimistic view of life. He enjoyed reading westerns, genealogy, and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife Bobbie; six sons, Tom Osterhaus of Seneca, Ben Osterhaus of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Dave Osterhaus of Houston, Texas, Dean Osterhaus of Wetmore, Brian Osterhaus and Cory Osterhaus, both of Seneca; two daughters, Gail Lintner of Cameron, Missouri and Marlene Ferguson of Hutchison, Kansas; three sisters, Lucille Winkler and Edna “Eddy” Love, both of Seneca, and Edith Kongs of Manhattan; and 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Bernice Rettele on May 26, 2007; and a brother, Leonard Osterhaus.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Friday, February 24, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Saturday at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The funeral procession to the church cemetery will be escorted by the Seneca Fire Department and American Legion. Full military honors will be provided at the cemetery by the Seneca VFW and American Legion.

Memorials may be given in Gilbert’s memory for the Seneca Free Library or American Legion Baseball.