Nicholas Gerard Holthaus, 55, of Baileyville, Kansas, died on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Nick was born on January 27, 1956 in Seneca, the son of George and Rita Reinecke Holthaus. He graduated from B&B High School in Baileyville in 1974. After school he continued to help his father on the farm until marriage.

On December 10, 1977 he married Jeanne Marie Sudbeck at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. They first lived southeast of Baileyville on his grandmother’s farm. In 1983, they moved to the home place 1-1/2 miles west of Baileyville. They were blessed with six children and celebrated 34 years of marriage. Nick farmed and raised cattle and hogs until his illness prevented him from doing so.

He loved to farm but one of his greatest joys was the time he spent with his wife, children and family. He was a devoted husband and father, who had a strong faith.

Nick was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus in Baileyville and the Rural Life Committee. He served on the Rural Water Board and the District 451 School Board and was past vice president. For his church he served on the parish council and was past president; he was also a lector and belonged to the folk choir. For his community he coached youth basketball and baseball.

Nick will be dearly missed by his wife Jeanne of the home; his children, Patrick Holthaus of Seneca, Martin Holthaus of Seneca, Pamela (Nicholas) Muroki of Denver, Colorado, Russell (Rachel) Holthaus of Gardner, Kansas, William Holthaus of Baileyville and Angela Holthaus of the home; his father, George Holthaus of Seneca; his brothers and sisters, Harlan Holthaus of Baileyville, Galen Holthaus of Marysville, Rosalee Stimac of Seneca, Elaine O’Connor of Kansas City, Missouri, Betty Sudbeck of Seneca, Nancy Sudbeck of Seneca and Joanie Holthaus of Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita M. Holthaus on February 19, 2009; a brother Dennis in 1944; and a sister Mary Ann in 1948.

Rosaries will be prayed at 3 & 7 PM Sunday, December 25, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Monday, December 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville. Burial will be in the church cemetery.