Helen A. Siess Rottinghaus, 96, of Seneca, died on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Helen was born on October 27, 1925 on a farm north of Seneca, to Conrad and Josephine Sudbeck Siess Sr.    She grew up north of Seneca and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in St. Benedict, graduating in 1943. After graduation, she attended St. Scholastic Academy in Atchison, Kansas for a year and then St. Mary’s in Leavenworth for a year.  She decided not to continue her education, as the love of her life was discharged from the military and returning home.

On June 11, 1946, she married Albert A Rottinghaus at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict.  The couple farmed and lived northeast of St. Benedict, until they moved to her father’s homestead. They raised livestock and operated a successful dairy. In 1988, Albert and Helen retired and moved to Seneca.

Helen enjoyed traveling, playing cards, cooking, baking, gardening and sports.  She couldn’t put down a good crossword puzzle.  Her family was extremely important to her and she made it a priority to be active and present in her grandchildren’s lives.

She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the St. Ann’s Altar Sodality, and a former member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. She was also a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert on December 28, 2000; two great grandchildren, Hudson Rottinghaus and Carter Haverkamp; and siblings Mary Ann Rottinghaus, Jenny Gockel, Josie Rottinghaus and Conrad Siess Jr.

She is survived by two sons, Ardan (Evelyn) Rottinghaus and Wayne (Marilyn) Rottinghaus, both of Seneca; two daughters, Sylvia (Francis) Haug of Baileyville and Jane (Terry) Stueve of Meriden, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 and 7 P.M. Monday, October 17^th at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given for St. Mary’s Cemetery or Sts. Peter & Paul Church, and sent in care of the family.