Justin Edward Rottinghaus, 92, of Seneca, KS died Saturday, April 1st, 2017 at Crestview Nursing Home in Seneca, Kansas.

Justin was born January 14, 1925 at a rural home southwest of St. Benedict, KS, son of Alvin and Rose Haverkamp Rottinghaus. He graduated from the 8th grade at St. Mary’s School in 1940. He then helped on the family farm. He also repaired watches and trapped for furs used in the war effort.

On October 14, 1948 he married Frances Niehues at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly, Kansas. She survives at the home in Seneca. They raised crops and livestock at their farm north of St. Benedict. Justin also owned a bulldozer and did conservation work. After that he ran a rock quarry, sand and gravel business. He continued to farm until 1985 when he suffered a severe stroke which left him partially paralyzed. He moved to Seneca in 1986 and then to Crestview Nursing Home in 2011 until his death.

He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca and formerly a member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, where he served on the church council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1769 in Seneca. He served on the Clear Creek township board and was a director on the Nemaha-Marshall Electric Cooperative.

He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing cards, woodworking, tinkering/fixing things and square dancing. He was always smiling, joking and happy to see you. His life was an inspiration to many as he rarely complained about his condition during those 31 years.

Survivors besides his wife Frances are his six children: Dianne (Larry) Halley of Overland Park, KS; Terry (Peggy) Rottinghaus of Axtell, KS; Don (Sue) Rottinghaus of Raymond, NE; Betty (Don) Wessel of Paola, KS; Bob (Annette) Rottinghaus of Baileyville, KS; Jeanne (Judd) O’Connor of Adel, IA; seven siblings: Dorothy Fangman of Pasco, WA; MaryAnn Dressman of Frankfort, KS; Mildred Heinen of Pasco, WA; Elmer Rottinghaus of Prairie Village, KS; Rosalita Skeels of Concordia, KS; Galen Rottinghaus of Pasco, WA; and Regis Rottinghaus of Pasco, WA; 16 Grandchildren and 22 Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Wilbert, Albert and Leonard Rottinghaus.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 and 7 PM Tuesday, April 4th, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 5th, 2017 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be at St. Bede’s cemetery.

Memorials are for Sts. Peter and Paul Church Window Fund and or/ St. Mary’s Church Roof Fund sent in care of the family.