John I. Rottinghaus, 54, prominent farmer of the St. Benedict community, died Monday, October 30, 1961 at the Seneca Hospital, from a stroke. He had suffered a stroke in February, and had put up a strong battle before the effects overcame him.

John was born on August 10, 1907, in Seneca, Kansas, the son of Herman “Henry” and Mary Anna Sudbeck Rottinghaus.

He married Ethel Wietharn on April 24, 1935 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca.

John was a highly respected man, a good farmer, and took an active part in the community. He had served on the St. Benedict School Board and the Nemaha Township Board. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, the St. Joseph Society, and the Knights of Columbus.

His strong interests in life were farming, home, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two infant daughters, Mary and Rose Ann.

He is survived by his wife Ethel and children, John Jr., Mary Jane, Leroy, Francis, Rita, Eugene, Janice and Joann, all of Seneca; three brothers, Anthony (Tony) Rottinghaus of Seneca, Benedict of Seneca, and Ignatius of Baileyville; and a sister, Minnie Renneger of Seneca.

Mass of Christian Burial was offered Thursday morning, November 2, at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, with Fr. Leander, Fr. Joseph and Fr. Cyprain presiding. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Emmett Rottinghaus, Adrain Rottinghaus, Edward Rottinghaus, Gerald Wietharn, John R. Waller and Roy Heiman. Honorary pallbearers were neighbors Linus Sudbeck, Francis Sudbeck, Adrain Strathman, John Rilinger, Clarence Haug and Ivan Wissler.