Linus E. Winkler, 77, of Oneida, Kansas, died Thursday, November 4, 2004, at Life Care Center in Seneca.

He was born June 30, 1927, south of Kelly, the son of Eugene and Philomena Kongs Winkler. Linus attended Kelly Grade School and helped on the family farm. When he was 17, he started driving a truck for the Sabetha Creamery, which he continued until 1950, and then was a substitute driver for several years. Linus farmed his whole life and enjoyed working outdoors.

On April 28, 1951, he married Lucille Dick at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. She survives of the home.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca and the St. Joseph’s Society at the church. Linus served on the Nemaha Valley Board of Education from 1969 to 1974, with the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Reserve from 1978 to 1992, and on the Board of Directors of the Citizens State Bank in Seneca.

Linus was a tall quiet man with a big heart, always willing to lend a hand. He took great interest in his family, farming, neighbors, and community.

Survivors besides his wife Lucille are three sons, Wayne of Seneca, Chris of Oneida, and Lynn of Hutchinson; five daughters, Karen Brown and Joyce Holthaus of Axtell, Sarah Kohake of Olathe, Carol Winkler of Oneida, and Amy Burgess of Du Bois, Nebraska; three brothers, Albert of Kelly, and Marvin and LeRoy of Seneca; a sister, Eleanor Hermesch of Goff; 18 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, William “Bill” Winkler on March 11, 1998.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Monday at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 2 PM, with a prayer service will be at 7 PM, on Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for the Midland Hospice in Topeka or Sts. Peter & Paul School in Seneca, and sent in care of the family.